Edison, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that Middlesex County will receive $1,086,306 to preserve the Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield. The grant will cover half of the acquisition cost and allow Middlesex County in partnership with Edison Township to create the new public Battle of Short Hills Park.
The funding comes from the U.S. National Park Service Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant Program, which enables state and local governments to acquire and preserve historic battlefield lands on American soil and receives support from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF reinvests revenue from offshore oil and natural gas leasing to help strengthen conservation and recreation opportunities across the country. Pallone cosponsored the Great American Outdoors Act, which fully and permanently funded the LWCF in August 2020.
“New Jersey has a rich history in the foundation of our nation. I’m pleased to see that the National Park Service has awarded Middlesex County with funding to help preserve this history for future generations,” said Pallone said. “This funding will go a long way toward helping Middlesex County and Edison protect green spaces and honor our state’s important history.”
“This new funding addresses two key goals for Middlesex County—to protect our green space and to preserve our history,” said Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, Director, Ronald G. Rios. “Our deep roots in the Revolutionary War are part of our rich identity and attract new visitors each year. We want to ensure precious sites like the Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield can be enjoyed for many generations.”
The money will be used to acquire 7.49 acres of property and connect it with the adjacent Edith Stevens Wildlife Preserve. It will also be used to expand a local park and help prepare for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. During the 1777 Battle of Short Hills, areas near Edison were occupied by the Continental Army when General George Washington's forces engaged British forces before the movement of both armies south to Philadelphia. The engagement at Short Hills marked the start of the Delaware Valley campaign that led to the capture of Philadelphia in September 1777.
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