UPDATE: Bloomfield May Receive a $900K Grant for Foley Field

Board of Education (BOE) officials Tuesday night announced the awarding of a $900,000 grant through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres program for the Foley Field restoration project. The grant, given to the township in conjunction with the BOE, will be used toward completion of the $2.9 million project.

“This grant will go a long way in helping complete this project and giving our student athletes as well as the community at large a home-field advantage again,” said Mayor Raymond McCarthy in a statement.

The $900,000 grant is the maximum amount that can be awarded for a municipal project, according to a township press release. All Green Acres funding is contingent upon the state legislature's passage of an appropriation bill, the release said.

Funding for all Green Acres projects is contingent upon the Legislature's passage of an Appropriation bill.

In February, Grinnell Recycling construction crews , a longstanding historic landmark in Bloomfield. With demolition completed, crews have begun conducting land grading and prep work for the installation of a turf field, according to Athletic Director Steve Jenkins.

"The whole (grant) has got us excited," said Jenkins. "It seems like we're making real headway."

Jenkins said although a formal date has not yet been set, he expects work at Foley Field to be completed by July 1.

"The real number (we're looking at) is August 15 when practice begins," said Jenkins, in anticipation of football season. "God willing, we're going to have at least seven homes games next year, maybe nine."

The Bengals, who have been without a home field since 2009, finished a staggering 2-8 last season.

Residents can watch the construction at Foley Field live by .