Many gathered at the Delaware River Port Authority board room on Monday, as Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) President and COO Ralph LaRossa unveiled $55 million in electric and gas infrastructure upgrades to take place in the City of Camden. The upgrades will support the group of 30 businesses moving to Camden within the next several years.

Among the many businesses that are moving to Camden are the Philadelphia 76ers, Subaru, Holtec International, and AeroFarms. In supporting the companies, PSE&G will provide investments that include the installation of higher capacity electric transformers and distribution lines at the Locust Street substation, relocation of existing gas facilities to serve business construction, and the installation of 3,000 feet of new gas mains to reinforce the local gas distribution system in Camden. It is expected that the new firms will require about 66 megawatts of new electric demand and 360 million additional BTUs of natural gas. The contributions will not stop there as PSE&G plans to make even more infrastructure upgrades as additional companies relocate to Camden.

During the press event, it was noted that PSE&G has been a trusted partner in the City for over 100 years. Both Mayor Dana L. Redd and Ralph LaRossa shared excitement in continuing the long-standing partnership during a time in which the city is rapidly moving forward. Mayor Redd listed “three pillars that are critical to Camden’s Renaissance,” of which included public safety, education, and economic reform. The latter was the topic of discussion at the conference, as Camden continues to develop a strong economic base with the recent wave of reputable and rising firms declaring their intentions to conduct their operations in the city. In describing the pipeline of 30 business settling in Camden, Mayor Redd said “it is crucial that Camden has the necessary infrastructure to attract world-class businesses.” In expressing similar sentiments regarding Camden’s plans of economic revitalization, LaRossa said that the local utility is committed to playing a significant role in the city’s “successful efforts to recruit new businesses in what has become a strategic business location.”

Also in attendance was Congressman Donald Norcross, who applauded Mayor Redd, PSE&G, and local partners for all of the work that has gone into making the City of Camden a better community for all. He went on to say, “The fact that so many companies are now choosing to call Camden home is a testament to the vision, collaboration, and commitment to making this city strong once again for both current and future generations, alike.”

Improvements are swiftly being made in the City of Camden and as stated by Mayor Dana L. Redd, “progress like that does not happen without great partnership.”

--Submitted by Alexander Darling