Middlesex County Honored at the Annual New Jersey’s Leading Capital Construction Projects Awards

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - Middlesex County was recognized on Tuesday, March 24, at the 15th Annual New Jersey's Leading Capital Construction Projects Awards Program, hosted by the New Jersey Alliance for Action, for its transformative projects within its Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan. The County received awards for two cornerstone projects: the Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School, and the Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center - key initiatives designed to expand educational access, strengthen community amenities, and foster long-term economic growth.

"Thank you, New Jersey Alliance for Action, for this honor. These projects represent the future we are building in Middlesex County - one rooted in innovation, access, and opportunity for every resident," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "Through our CIO Strategic Investment Plan, we are making bold, strategic investments that strengthen our education pipeline, create vibrant community spaces, and position our County as a leader in economic development across New Jersey."

"The recognition of these projects underscores our commitment to creating spaces that serve multiple generations and multiple purposes," said Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Chair of the Economic Development Committee. "From advancing workforce development to expanding access to recreation and the arts, these investments are designed to meet the evolving needs of our residents while driving inclusive growth across the region."

"Middlesex has vaulted to second in population among our state's 21 counties. It's some 900,000 residents are well served by the two projects the Alliance for Action is honoring at our annual New Jersey Leading Capital Construction Projects Awards. The Innovation Magnet School and Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center are both part of the County's critical strategic investment plan. Both are on the campus of Middlesex College, and one will also provide a new home for Rutgers University's baseball team! The Alliance commends Commissioner Director Rios and his colleagues for their foresight for our future!" said Alliance for Action President Jerry Keenan.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY'S CIO STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PLAN

First announced in November 2022, the CIO Strategic Investment Plan is a comprehensive, long-term initiative that positions Middlesex College as a regional hub for education, workforce development, recreation, the arts, and community engagement. The plan is designed to accelerate economic growth, enhance quality of life, and expand opportunities for residents and businesses across the County.

CIO Strategic Investment Plan projects currently underway include:

• Multipurpose Community Venue (broke ground on January 2025)
• Middlesex College Student Center (broke ground on January 2025)
• Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School (broke ground on March 2025)
• Destination Athletic Complex at Thomas A. Edison Park featuring:
• • 14 multi-sport synthetic fields
  • 16 tennis courts
  • A state-of-the-art recreational cricket field

Future phases of the CIO Strategic Investment Plan will include:

• Workforce Development and Conference Center
• Community Park featuring an educational children's amenity
• Enhancements to existing outdoor spaces, incorporating public art, seating, and water features

For more information about the CIO Strategic Investment Plan and project updates, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/cioplan.

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