Our small businesses in Mercer County are the lifeblood of our communities and local economy, but we know that many were hard hit during the global pandemic, and are still struggling to get back on their feet and return to pre-pandemic levels.

To assist businesses in need, County government developed the Mercer County Small Business Grant program, which dedicates $3.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide direct aid to Mercer County small businesses that have likely experienced hardship from the COVID-19 disaster. The program launched Feb. 1, and as of Feb. 14 more than 500 businesses had expressed an interest in it. Grantworks, the grant program administrator, is reviewing applications to determine eligibility. Depending on how they qualify, businesses can receive a flat grant of $10,000 orwill be awarded funds based on the documented amount of economic losses – up to a $10,000 maximum.

I’m pleased to report that the speed limit along a section of Bear Tavern Road (County Route 579) in Hopewell Township, including the Bear Tavern Elementary School zone, will be reduced as local residents requested. An ordinance my administration presented to the Board of County Commissioners in late January has been approved by the Board on final reading, allowing the speed limit amendment to take effect.

Mercer County had looked at reducing the speed limit in front of the school to 25 mph a number of years ago, but a thorough review by our traffic engineer determined that it didn’t meet the necessary criteria. Recent guidance permits County engineers to consider other conditions as contributing factors, and I thank our Engineering Division for working with township and school officials to move this forward. I also thank Mayor Michael Ruger and his Township Committee colleagues, as well as township residents, for their input and patience throughout this process.

The Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women presents annual awards that recognize dedicated volunteers whose leadership and spirit strengthen our community in myriad ways. The Woman of Achievement Award recognizes Mercer residents who volunteer their time to make the County a better place to live, raise a family and work. The Young Woman of Achievement Award honors high school students for their outstanding volunteer work within the County.

This year, the Commission is honoring six volunteers who were nominated by other community members for their distinguished service. I am proud to join the Commission in recognizing these deserving individuals who give back to their community.

Our County Engineer, Basit (Sunny) Muzaffar, P.E., and two County transportation projects will be honored by the Professional Engineers Society of Mercer County at its awards banquet later this month. Sunny will receive this year’s Government Service Award, which is given to an individual who serves in an elected, appointed or employed capacity in a federal, state, county, municipal or regional government agency. In addition, the Rosedale Road mini-roundabout in Princeton and the Lower Ferry Road bridge over Gold Run in Ewing will receive Engineering Project of the Year awards.

Each year, the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs, in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, hosts a Consumer Bowl that tests high school students’ knowledge of the state’s consumer protection laws and regulations. It’s a spirited, quiz-show style competition for which some very bright students work very hard to prepare.

After being held virtually the past two years because of the pandemic, this year’s Consumer Bowl was held in person Feb. 10 at The College of New Jersey library. Four Mercer County high schools participated this year: Ewing, Hamilton West, Hightstown and Nottingham. Hightstown High, the six-time defending champ, won the competition once again, making it a remarkable seven in a row.

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, in conjunction with the State of New Jersey, the County of Mercer and the City of Trenton, is hosting a Constituent Service Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Capital Area YMCA, 431 Pennington Ave., Trenton.

The Congresswoman represents New Jersey’s 12^th Congressional District, which includes the Mercer County municipalities of Ewing, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Pennington, Princeton, Trenton and West Windsor. If you live in the 12^th District and need assistance from a state or federal agency, this event provides a great opportunity to get help with, and information about, things such as Medicare/Medicaid, immigration, unemployment, veterans affairs, Social Security and more.