Mercer County Executive Dan Benson used his annual State of the County address Tuesday to paint a picture of a county that has stabilized its finances and is moving forward on long-discussed infrastructure, economic development and quality-of-life projects.
Speaking before members of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce at the Mercer County Boathouse in West Windsor, Benson highlighted what he described as a financial turnaround over the past two-and-a-half years while outlining ongoing investments in public safety, transportation, open space preservation and economic development.
“Projects that sat on the shelf for years are finally moving,” Benson said. “Communities are seeing investments that have been long overdue.”
Financial recovery remains a central theme
Much of Benson’s address focused on the county’s finances, an issue that has remained a priority since he took office in 2024 amid concerns about budget deficits and fiscal management.
Benson pointed to a recent positive outlook from Moody’s and said the county has improved budgeting practices, refinanced debt and taken steps to reduce long-term costs.
Among the biggest savings, he said, was the county’s decision to leave the State Health Benefits Plan.
According to Benson, the move will save taxpayers nearly $10 million this year while maintaining health coverage for county employees.
“Despite rising costs and growing demands on services, our County government is committed to responsible budgeting, protecting taxpayers, and continuing to invest in the priorities that matter most,” he said.
Public safety and infrastructure projects underway
Benson highlighted several major infrastructure initiatives underway across Mercer County.
Among them is the replacement of the Lincoln Avenue Bridge in Trenton, a project supported by a $47 million federal grant. He also referenced bridge projects in Hopewell Township, Hamilton, Robbinsville, Hightstown and other parts of the county.
The county is also implementing a new countywide P25 radio communications network designed to improve coordination among police, fire and emergency medical services agencies.
Other public safety investments include shared services agreements supporting hazardous materials response teams and emergency equipment purchases for local municipalities.
Airport modernization and Vision Zero
Benson said construction continues on the first phase of a modernization effort at Trenton-Mercer Airport, including a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting facility.
The broader airport project includes plans for a new terminal and additional infrastructure intended to expand the airport’s role as a regional transportation hub.
The county is also continuing its Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through roadway redesigns, traffic-calming measures and pedestrian safety improvements.
Open space and trails
Several projects with direct ties to the Hopewell Valley were highlighted during the speech.
Benson pointed to the county’s purchase of more than 50 acres known as Big Woods from Rider University, a preservation effort intended to protect environmentally sensitive land while assisting the university’s finances.
He also discussed the county’s acquisition of the 31-acre Hoge tract in Hopewell Township and Hopewell Borough in partnership with D&R Greenway. County officials believe the property could eventually help connect segments of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail and extend it into Hopewell Borough.
Another acquisition involved a six-acre historic farmstead in Hopewell Township’s Pleasant Valley Historic District. The property will become part of Howell Living History Farm, where county officials hope to recreate a historic sawmill and expand educational programming.
The county also recently launched a trail grant program to support planning and construction of trail projects throughout Mercer County.
Affordable housing and food security
Addressing affordability concerns, Benson highlighted the county’s participation in the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which he said has helped support 71 affordable housing units, with additional units planned over the next two years.
He also focused heavily on food security initiatives.
The county established an Office of Food Security and is investing in a new Mercer County Food Hub intended to serve as a central location for food storage and distribution. Benson said county-supported food security efforts have assisted more than 22,000 households and 55,000 individuals.
“At a time when too many families are struggling with rising costs, we’ve worked to support the amazing organizations that are on the front lines helping our neighbors every day,” he said.
Economic development and Trenton investments
Benson also outlined several economic development initiatives, including expansion of Mercer County’s Foreign Trade Zone and the planned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia campus in Hamilton.
The county executive devoted significant attention to projects in Trenton, including renovations at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, upgrades at CURE Insurance Arena ahead of the arrival of the Trenton Ironhawks hockey team, restoration of the historic Old Eagle Tavern and improvements planned for the South Broad Street corridor.
“When we support our Capital City, we are making the future of our entire County brighter,” Benson said. “When Trenton succeeds, we all succeed.”
Looking ahead
Benson acknowledged that residents continue to face challenges related to housing costs, inflation and economic uncertainty, but said county government can continue to make strategic investments that improve daily life for residents.
“The state of Mercer County is strong,” Benson concluded. “The state of Mercer County is resilient. And the state of Mercer County is leading the way because we are showing what it looks like when you have leadership that works for everyone.”
