Bridgeton, NJ (September 16, 2009) - New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) and Bridgeton School District officials today formally opened the addition of a state-of-the-art media center at Bridgeton High School that will greatly enhance the 21st century learning opportunities for students in the journalism and video production departments.

"The school construction program is building a better future for students throughout New Jersey as well as for our state’s economy," Governor Jon S. Corzine said. "I am pleased this new media center will enable educators to provide a quality learning experience and give these students the 21st century resources they need to succeed in school and life."

A traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by a non-traditional twist as journalism students interviewed Regina Bleck, SDA Vice President of Project Management, school officials and other dignitaries. Meanwhile, student videographers recorded the ceremony and unique “Q & A” session. A videotape of the ceremonial event and interview session will air on the Bridgeton district’s local public access television channel throughout the 2009-2010 school year.

"As they say, turn-about is fair play – usually the students are the ones who have to answer questions when they come to school," Bleck quipped before responding to student reporters who asked about her role with the SDA and various aspects of New Jersey’s successful school construction program.

"But seriously, this media center, and the expanded library, will provide students with the modern communication tools they will need to succeed here academically as well as in their future career paths," said Bleck. She added, "The SDA is proud to have worked with the district to deliver this project, which is another example of Governor Corzine’s commitment to building safe, efficient, affordable schools for our children."

The project at the 57-yearold high school, which serves some 1,200 students in 9th through 12th grades, added a new 6,000-square-foot Media Center and renovated the existing 4,000-square-foot library. Also, an elevator was installed for access to the high school’s second floor to comply with Americans with Disability Act (AD) regulations.

The project was designed by Becica Associates, LLC and built by Martell Construction Company Inc. It was managed for the SDA by URS Corporation.

Another project on tap for Bridgeton is a new Cherry Street Elementary School, a K-to-8 facility currently in the pre-development stage. The SDA opened the Dr. Geraldyn O. Foster Early Childhood Center addition to Buckshutem Elementary School in 2004.

The Bridgeton High School Media Center Addition/library Renovation project is among 12 new or renovated schools the SDA is opening this fall. The projects have increased the capacity of student seats across the state to 8,974 while investing $584 million to stimulate the economy and creating or saving 5,059 jobs for New Jersey.

The SDA has completed 613 projects in SDA Districts: 50 new schools; 44 extensive additions, renovations and/or rehabilitations; five demonstration projects and more than 500 other projects. In addition, it has completed 22 projects in Regular Operating Districts: five new schools and 17 extensive additions, renovations and/or rehabilitations.

The school construction program is central to the state’s effort to mitigate the effects of the national recession. For 2009, the SDA has accelerated projects to advance Governor Corzine’s Economic Assistance and Recovery Plan to spur the economy and generate jobs. The SDA is on track to begin preliminary or full construction of 27 Capital Plan projects in 2009. Overall, the SDA will invest $1.3 billion in these projects. Over the life of the projects, the SDA expects to create or save approximately 11,000 jobs.

The Bridgeton High School addition and renovation project cost $7.3 million overall.