Ballistreri and Aponte Call on CRDA to Invest in ACIT Expansion

Tom Ballistreri and Manny Aponte, Republican candidates for at large seats on the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders, today endorsed the recommendation that the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority allocate $12 million to aid in financing the expansion of Atlantic County Institute of Technology and convert it to a fulltime high school.

Ballistreri and Aponte gave their “full and unconditional support” to the proposal made last week by Atlantic County’s Republican Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vince Polistina.

“CRDA funds are generated in Atlantic City through a tax on casino gaming revenues,” they said, “and it is altogether appropriate that Atlantic County receive priority consideration in the allocation of that revenue.”

The $40 million expansion and conversion of ACIT is to be supported by a $16 million grant from the state and $12 from the county. With a commitment of $12 from CRDA, the full cost can be met.

“CRDA has finance projects in virtually every county in New Jersey, including construction of educational facilities,” Ballistreri and Aponte said. “Moreover, CRDA involvement in the ACIT project dovetails nicely with the school’s mission of training students to enter the construction and building trades --- a mission vital to the economic development efforts in the region.”

“The CRDA has given financial assistance to everything from construction of minor league baseball stadiums to flood control projects throughout the state,” Ballistreri and Aponte said. “We can think of no better use of CRDA revenue than to assist in the expansion of ACIT. It is a logical step for the agency, it fits nicely with its mission, and it demonstrates a commitment to Atlantic City and County.”

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Paid for by Atlantic County Republican Committee.

Michael Goloff, CPA, Treasurer.