Kean Delivers $560,000 to Washington Township for Police Department Renovations

(February 18, 2026) WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ - Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented $560,000 in federal funding to Washington Township in Morris County to support long-overdue renovations for the police department headquarters. Kean secured this funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding process to directly support local law enforcement and modernize critical public safety infrastructure.

Constructed in 1996, the police department building now requires significant upgrades to remain fully operational for officers and the public. Due to the building's age and wear, renovations are needed for the roof, HFAC system, and parking lot.

The police headquarters serves as a hub for public safety operations, including educational programs, licensing services, and Office of Emergency Management services. In addition to serving Washington Township, the department also provides full-service police coverage to Califon Borough. These improvements will enhance working conditions for officers and ensure the building can continue meeting the surrounding community's public safety needs.

"Our police officers make incredible sacrifices every day to protect our communities. I secured $560,000 for Washington Township to ensure their police force has a workplace that is both safe and up to modern standards," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. "This investment will strengthen public safety infrastructure and support the department for decades to come. I remain steadfast in my commitment to the safety and security of our families, our neighborhoods, and the dedicated men and women of law enforcement."

"We are very fortunate to have strong working relationships with our elected leaders, and Congressman Kean has worked hard advocating for our residents," said Washington Township Mayor Michael Marino. "This funding will go a long way towards repairing and improving our police department. As an agricultural community, it can be challenging to manage our budget, especially as one of the largest municipalities in Morris County. Because of that, every extra dollar truly makes a difference for our residents. We are incredibly appreciative of the time and effort Congressman Kean put into helping us secure this grant."

"One of the most important things for our constituents is having good working relationships at every level of government - from the municipality all the way up to the federal level," said Washington Township Vice-Mayor Matthew Murello. "We had the opportunity to apply for a grant to address a critical need that never quite makes it into our local budget. This funding is tremendous. It will bring our police department's building up to the same quality as the officers who serve in it, and we could not have done it without the Congressman - so thank you."

"I want to thank Congressman Kean, Mayor Marino, and Vice-Mayor Murello for bringing this together - it truly means a great deal to our department," said Washington Township Chief of Police Jeffrey Almer. "Our building is nearly 30 years old and we are facing some structural issues, so this funding is incredibly significant for us."

"We appreciate Congressman Kean securing $560,000 in Community Project Funding to address necessary repairs and improvements at the Washington Township Police Department," said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. "This funding will support critical renovations to the roof, HVAC system and parking lot, helping ensure the department can continue supporting Morris County and its residents at a high level through policing, emergency management and other essential services residents rely on every day. Morris County is home to some of the safest communities in the state, thanks to the dedication and professionalism our law enforcement officers and first responders demonstrate around the clock."

"Through the efforts of Congressman Kean and Washington Township, this $560,000 federal grant was made possible. We are very appreciative and thank Congressman Kean for supporting our police," said Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. "The Washington Township Police Department is exceptional, and these renovations will allow them to provide even better services to the public."

"Once again, Congressman Kean has delivered for our district," said New Jersey Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (LD-24). "By bringing more of our federal tax dollars back home, we can ensure the Washington Township Police Department has the modern equipment and upgraded facilities to continue protecting and serving residents. I'm grateful for this strong partnership and our shared commitment to public safety throughout Northwest New Jersey."

Since taking office, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. has secured over $12 million for police departments across New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process, demonstrating a consistent, tangible commitment to backing the blue with real resources. Kean remains steadfast in ensuring local law enforcement officers receive the support and equipment necessary to keep our communities safe.

All 15 projects that Congressman Kean was allotted for the FY2026 Community Project Funding process have now passed the U.S. House of Representatives. View the full list of projects HERE.

Pictured: Washington Township Committeeman Bill Roehrich Committeeman Walter Curioni, Morris County Commissioner Deborah Smith, County Clerk Ann Grossi, Esq., Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, County Surrogate Heather Darling, Washington Township Vice-Mayor Matthew Murello, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., Mayor Michael Marino, Chief Jeffrey Almer, County Sheriff James Gannon, Washington Township Police Officers

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