{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-visits-somerville-highlight-1942000-secured-federal-funding-0", "Kean Visits Somerville to Highlight $1,942,000 Secured in Federal Funding", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "NJ", "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "K000398", "kean.house.gov", "kean", "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(September 14, 2026) SOMERVILLE, NJ \u2013 Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited downtown Somerville with Mayor Brian Gallagher to highlight the $1,942,000 he secured in a House funding bill through the Community Project Funding process.\n\nThe funding will be used for two complementary capital improvement projects: the Division Street Arts Plaza and the Giardina Walk Improvements. Together, these projects will transform two heavily traveled public corridors into vibrant, safe, and fully accessible pedestrian spaces that anchor Downtown Somerville\u2019s arts and cultural identity.\n\n\u201cDowntown Somerville is truly the heart of Somerset County, and this investment will help make it an even better place to live, work, shop, and dine,\u201d said Congressman Kean. \u201cI fought for this funding because Somerville deserves a downtown that reflects the energy, character, and pride of this special community. This project will be transformational in supporting local businesses, improving the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.\u201d\n\n\"I'm grateful to Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. for securing nearly $1.94 million in federal funding for the Division Street Arts Plaza and Giardina Walk improvements,\u201d said Mayor Brian Gallagher. \u201cThis investment will make our downtown safer and more accessible, strengthen Main Street as a regional destination, and benefit the entire community. Congressman Kean's persistence in advancing this funding through Washington reflects his genuine commitment to Somerville and the region, and we're thankful for his leadership and partnership.\"\n\n\u201cThe Division Street and Giardina Walkway improvements are an investment in the future and economic vitality of Downtown Somerville, the county seat,\u201d said Dana Kessel, Executive Director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. \u201cThis project demonstrates what is possible when a community, its businesses, municipal partners, and a strong Main Street organization work together toward a shared vision. By creating inviting places to gather, shop, dine, and experience downtown, we are strengthening Downtown Somerville\u2019s position as one of New Jersey\u2019s premier destinations.\n\n\u201cAs a Downtown Somerville business owner, I am incredibly grateful for everything the Downtown Somerville Alliance does to promote our downtown and support our businesses,\u201d said Allison Reilly Snyder, Co-Owner of Boulevard Seafood & Co. Restaurant and Bar and DSA Board of Trustees member. \u201cThe DSA creates opportunities, brings people downtown, and continually advocates for the businesses that make this community special. These improvements are another exciting step forward, and we are grateful to have an organization so committed to the future of Downtown Somerville.\u201d\n\nSince taking office, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. has secured more than $3.4 million for accessible walkways across New Jersey\u2019s Seventh Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process.\n\nIn July, Congressman Kean announced that 18 Community Project Funding requests made by his office totaling $17,765,906, are included in key House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Learn more HERE.\n\nPictured left to right: Allison Snyder, Mayor Brian Gallagher, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., and Dana Kessel\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-visits-somerville-highlight-1942000-secured-federal-funding-0"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.6156542114913464, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}