By: Richard L. Smith
Nearly $5.7 million in federal funding will be distributed to municipalities and community organizations across Essex County to support infrastructure upgrades, housing stability, and social service programs, according to a press release issued by Essex County officials.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced that the funding is being allocated through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs.
The initiatives are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered locally by the County’s Division of Housing and Community Development.
Of the total amount, approximately $3.99 million will go to nine municipalities and county programs participating in the Essex County consortium. 
The funding will be used for roadway resurfacing, ADA accessibility improvements, recreation facility upgrades, water and sewer infrastructure work, and transportation services for seniors.
Grant awards ranged from smaller allocations for accessibility upgrades to larger sums supporting major roadway rehabilitation projects.
An additional $1.225 million was awarded directly to 35 nonprofit organizations to fund mental health services, vocational and supportive programs for residents with disabilities, facility improvements, senior services, and transportation needs. 
County officials also set aside funding for the Home Improvement Program and the Tenant Resource Center.
Through the Emergency Solutions Grant program, $464,006 will be distributed to 12 social service agencies to assist with shelter renovations, homeless prevention efforts, rapid rehousing, and street outreach initiatives.
County officials emphasized that municipalities and organizations must meet federal eligibility requirements established by HUD to receive funding. 
The grants do not impact the County’s operating budget and cannot be used as general revenue.
The Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development administers these programs for the County and 18 participating municipalities, while Bloomfield, East Orange, Irvington, and Newark manage their own housing and development programs independently.
Additional details on specific grant recipients were included in the County’s release.