The ECCRI will create a formal partnership between the university and the towns in the seven counties of Southern New Jersey.  Professors and other staff from Rowan will serve as a resource for community leaders and residents in their struggle to tackle complex socio-environmental problems facing the region.  The ECCRI will also allow the faculty at Rowan to collaborate with state and local officials on research into many of the social, economic, environmental and human resource problems facing the state.  By creating an academic and community think tank, Rowan will facilitate the dissemination of information to the general public and provide a vehicle for public policy makers to gain insight into critical issues, identify problems and offer creative solutions.

In July, Andrews wrote to the House Appropriations committee to request funding for the ECCRI at the request of Rowan University.  The funding was included as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Programs and Management account which was funded through the FY 2002 Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development budget.  Congressman Andrews will submit an additional request this year for continued federal funding for this program.

Congressman Andrews made the ECCRI grant announcement as part of an entire day devoted to touring four new communities that were recently added to the First Congressional District.  In the Fall of this year, the redistricting commission of the State of New Jersey drafted a new map for the First Congressional District adding Merchantville, Haddonfield, Glassboro, and Mantua.  Rep. Andrews visited each community to meet with his new constituents.

Beginning his day in Mantua, Rep. Rob Andrews met with employees of Delaware Valley Wholesale Florists and Mayor Tim Chell to answer their questions and offer his assistance as their federal representative.   Next, the Congressman traveled to the Merchantville School in Merchantville to join with Mayor Pat Brennan to meet with students and answer their questions on what elected officials are doing locally and nationally to protect America from terrorism.  Rep. Andrews concluded his day by meeting with Haddonfield Mayor Letitia Colombi and the town council to discuss ways in which he can work with the elected officials of that community on issues of local and national importance.

“I am visiting each of the four communities added to the First Congressional District to let the elected officials and citizens of these communities know that I am available to assist them in my capacity as their representative in Washington,” said Andrews.  “The best way for elected officials to ensure that they are representing the issues important to their constituents is by getting out in the community and listening to what people have to say.  I want my new friends to know that I am here to serve them and look forward to working with them in the future.”
 

# # #