EDISON – Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios highlighted major transportation projects during his annual State of the County address delivered last week at Middlesex College.
Rios also reflected on the county’s progress over the past year and outlined future plans in areas such as education and workforce development.
“Our investment in building a better future embraces innovation, enhances operational efficiency, and empowers our decision-making process at every turn, and our cost-efficient budgeting allows us to invest our resources wisely on behalf of everyone in Middlesex County,” Rios said. “In Middlesex County, we have a proven track record of driving real change, real results, making a real impact. The future is bright and bold in Middlesex County, by design.”
Rios noted transportation infrastructure investments making significant headway, like the remodeling of the New Brunswick train station and the construction of the North Brunswick train station, both making significant progress in design. These projects, in partnership with NJ Transit and the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, aim to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth across the region.
The RIDE On Demand pilot program in New Brunswick and the upcoming transformation of Middlesex County Area Transit (MCAT) services into RIDE Routes and RIDE Reservations underscore the county's commitment to providing accessible and efficient transit options for residents and visitors, Rios said.
Rios emphasized the county's investments in education and workforce development, including the transformation of Middlesex College into a regional hub for academics, recreation, and the arts under the county’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, currently making progress toward the completion of design and groundbreaking of phase one.
Partnerships with institutions like Rutgers University and RWJBarnabas Health are enriching educational opportunities and preparing students for high-demand careers in healthcare and beyond, Rios said.
“A high-quality education can change lives – not just our economy – so we are creating a solid, sustainable foundation for education and workforce development that will help ensure the people of Middlesex County have access to the robust academic and career training opportunities they need in order to compete at the highest levels,” he said.
Rios highlighted key initiatives such as the county’s Pathways to Recovery program, Services Locator, and Opioid Settlement Advisory Council. He also announced the newly launched Behavioral Health Navigators, which will continue to bring more resources to the community.
He also noted that in partnership with the Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex County leaders are continuing to find new and innovative ways to enhance public safety with programs, including Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) and the new Special Needs Registry program, both of which enable first responders to better assist special needs residents who struggle with behavioral health or other health issues.
Rios introduced a new initiative, launching in May, to provide free swimming lessons to all second-grade students who live in the county.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
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