Cory A. Booker

08/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2026 22:11

Booker Concludes 2026 Annual 21-County Tour

NEW JERSEY - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker concluded his 2026 Annual 21-County Tour, underscoring his commitment to fighting - and delivering - for New Jersey's priorities in the Senate. Since launching the tradition 13 years ago, Senator Booker's tours have spotlighted new federal investments, advanced local priorities, and strengthened partnerships with organizations, businesses, and industries across all 21 counties.

"Every stop on this tour reminded me why I love this job," said Senator Booker. "I met extraordinary people in every corner of our state who are caring for their neighbors, lifting up their communities, and showing what is possible when we come together. I end this tour with deep gratitude and even more Jersey pride. It is the honor of my life to represent New Jersey in Washington, and I'll never stop fighting for the people of our state."

Senator Booker concluded his tour with stops in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties, highlighting federal investments, local economic development, and support for New Jersey farmers.

In Atlantic County, Senator Booker visited the Orange Loop, an Opportunity Zone neighborhood, where he met with local business owners and entrepreneurs for a roundtable discussion and driving tour. He heard directly about their experiences and saw firsthand how his Opportunity Zone legislation has helped spur economic development, support small businesses, and create new opportunities in historically underserved communities.

Also in Atlantic County, Senator Booker toured the AtlantiCare Trauma Center and helipad and presented AtlantiCare Health System with a ceremonial check commemorating the $1 million FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending award he secured for the hospital. He met with hospital leadership and frontline staff to discuss the importance of this federal investment in strengthening emergency response capabilities. The funding will help ensure New Jersey families have access to high-quality care when they need it most.

In Cape May County, Senator Booker toured the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal's three-vessel fleet and celebrated a $30 million Federal Transit Administration award he helped secure for the Delaware River and Bay Authority to purchase a new diesel-hybrid ferry. The award builds on a previous $20 million award he secured in 2024. He also discussed the $9.6 million FTA award to the Borough of Carteret and NJ TRANSIT's Carteret Ferry Service Expansion Project, highlighting how the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering investments that will strengthen New Jersey's transportation infrastructure, tourism, and economic development.

"For over 60 years, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry has been a vital crossing connecting New Jersey and Delaware, which is a significant contributor to our regional economy," said Joel Coppadge, Executive Director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority. "This grant award is critical toward our efforts to modernize our fleet with cleaner, more efficient hybrid technology for the next generation. Beyond the environmental benefits, this investment safeguards an essential engine that drives more than $250 million in annual tourism and economic activity to the region. We are incredibly thankful for Senator Booker's dedicated advocacy on behalf of the DRBA and the thousands of travelers who depend on our crossing every day."

In Cumberland County, Senator Booker ended the day with a visit to Cedar Rose Vineyards, where he saw firsthand the crop damage caused by the April freeze and met with farmers who suffered significant crop losses. He also received a briefing on the freeze's impact across the state and discussed his efforts to secure federal disaster relief for farmers.

Senator Booker's 2026 Annual 21-County Tour included:

  • Announcing the Rory Ahern Act in Ocean County, legislation to expand NARCAN training for first responders, school personnel, and substance use treatment professionals and help prevent overdose deaths.
  • Highlighting more than $33.5 million in federal investments he helped secure for New Jersey, including $2 million for Inspira Health Network, $1 million for AtlantiCare, $559,000 for Liberty Science Center's new mobile planetarium, and $30 million for a new diesel-hybrid ferry for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
  • Honoring New Jersey veterans across Bergen and Monmouth Counties, includingpresenting medals and certificates to 57 veterans and hosting a Veterans Town Hallto listen directly to veterans and their families and stand up for the services and support they have earned.
  • Supporting New Jersey families facing food insecurity, including visits to theFranklin Food Bank in Somerset County, the Greater Mount Zion Food Pantry in Trenton, and Cathedral Kitchen in Camden County.
  • Meeting with researchers, students, and workers at Hackensack Meridian Health's Center for Discovery and Innovation, Salem Community College's Glass Education Center, and L'Oréal Groupe's North America Research and Innovation Center to highlight scientific innovation, STEM education, and workforce development.
  • Supporting New Jersey farmers and small businesses, including visits to theHunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair, Wharton's Canal Day festival, Atlantic City's Orange Loop, and the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce, as well as meeting with Cumberland County farmers facing significant crop losses from the April freeze and discussing federal disaster relief.

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Cory A. Booker published this content on August 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 29, 2026 at 04:11 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]