Federal funds secure police upgrades, mobile museum BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer WOODBRIDGE - Through funds made possible by U.S. Rep. Michael Ferguson (R-7), the township police department's communication system will get a much-needed upgrade and the township will be able to develop a "traveling" historical museum. Ferguson announced that on Dec. 19, the House of Representatives gave final congressional approval of a spending bill that includes $235,000 for the police department. The Woodbridge Township Police Department funding is included in a $555 billion appropriations bill that finances 11 federal departments and other agencies. Ferguson, who requested the Woodbridge funds earlier this year, said the money would help township officials expand its ongoing comprehensive first-responder communications upgrades. "As we learned during the response to 9/11, it's critically important that police, fire officials and emergency service managers are able to coordinate their response to a crisis," Ferguson said. Township officials told the congressman, during his annual meeting with them about funding, grants, and other federal resources that may be available to local communities, about the need to replace existing radios for the township's police department, which is in the largest township in Ferguson's district. Police Chief William Trenery said that since his department receives more than 100,000 calls from residents each year for services and emergency responses, the need for improved communications is "front and center." Trenery said only parts of the radio system, which was installed in 1940, have been replace over the years. "Some parts are old and can't be repaired," said Trenery, who said the department is always looking for grants. Mayor John E. McCormac said he has put together a team of police, emergency management, and radio communication experts to assist in the development and implementation of an advanced police and emergency radio communications system. Ferguson also announced that the House of Representatives' spending bill also includes $49,000 to develop a "traveling" historical museum in the township. Ferguson said the money would help township officials develop a mobile historical museum inWoodbridge that would be displayed at libraries, public schools and other places and events in the township. "Woodbridge and its residents have played an important role in shapingAmerican history," said Ferguson. "It's right that one of the largest and oldest communities in our state create a traveling historical museum that can be enjoyed and accessible to every resident." Ferguson added that the first president of the United States, George Washington, spent the night in the township, which was settled in 1664 and was granted a charter in 1669, before traveling to New York for his first presidential inauguration. "I'm confident this important museum project will help showcase and share history for citizens of all ages to enjoy," said Ferguson. McCormac said the funds would help launch an effort he is leading to display the township's history with exhibits and displays. The concept would include an ever-changing display of township artifacts, documents and memorabilia, as well as interactive, computer-generated historical exhibits displays and discussions. The mayor and township officials are in the initial process of evaluating the design and scope of the museum and are looking toward this year for the project's implementation.