PRESS RELEASE:
Dec. 10, 2024
For Immediate Release
Morris County Commissioners Advocate for Picatinny Arsenal The Picatinny Enhancement Coalition Makes Its Inaugural Visit to Washington D.C.
Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw and Sheriff James M. Gannon recently joined a distinguished delegation of officials and business leaders in the inaugural Picatinny Enhancement Coalition (PEC) visit to Washington, D.C., where they highlighted Picatinny Arsenal’s essential role in national defense and its economic impact on Morris County and New Jersey.
The visit, known as the Picatinny “Charge,” was the first of what will be regular treks to the nation’s capital to remind federal authorities of Picatinny Arsenal’s importance, not just to the region, but also to the entire nation and its national defense. Picatinny Arsenal has been a staple in the Unite State’s military defense for decades.
The visit involved meetings with Department of Defense officials and members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Picatinny Arsenal, the U.S. Army’s premier hub for armaments and munitions, is the third-largest employer in Morris County, staffed by scientists, engineers, military personnel, and support staff. The Armaments Center contributes approximately $367 million annually in workforce labor to New Jersey, including $163 million directly to Morris County, where nearly half of its employees reside.
Over the past five years, Picatinny Arsenal executed $122 million in New Jersey contracts, with $47.5 million awarded within Morris County -- 85 percent of which supported small businesses, according to Gregory Roehrich, Acting Executive Director of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center’s Enterprise and Systems Integration Center.
In addition, the Armament Graduate School at Picatinny Arsenal is a one-of-a-kind institution, integrating multiple engineering disciplines with applied sciences to develop experts in armaments engineering and research. It supports the Armaments Center, the largest organization at Picatinny and a key component of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, which advances more than 90 percent of the Army's armaments and munitions.
“Picatinny Arsenal is a vital asset to our nation's military strength and a cornerstone of Morris County's economy. Our visit to the Capitol reaffirmed our commitment to supporting its mission to develop and deliver the innovations essential to our national security,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers. “Investing in the arsenal’s resources and its ability to recruit uniquely skilled talent is critical to keeping our country safe.”
The PEC delegation included local leaders, state officials, business representatives, and community advocates. Their primary objectives were to:
Highlight Picatinny’s mission as a premier armaments and munitions research center.
Showcase the arsenal’s essential contributions to the local and regional economy.
Strengthen partnerships between Picatinny and local municipalities.
Explore how Morris County industries can support the national supply chain for critical defense materials.
The delegation also dispelled misconceptions about community support for Northeast military installations and discussed initiatives to sustain and expand Picatinny’s mission, including advancing STEM education and leveraging local industries for stronger defense infrastructure.
U.S. Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Tom Kean helped coordinate the Picatinny “Charge” and met with the delegation in Washington, D.C. Members of the PEC included State Senator Anthony Bucco, Sheriff James Gannon, County College of Morris President Dr. Anthony Iacono, Jefferson Mayor Eric Wilsusen, Mount Arlington Mayor Mike Stanzilis, Rockaway Township Mayor Joe Jackson and Wharton Mayor William Chegwidden. Additionally, Morris County Chamber President Meghan Hunscher, NJEDA Chief of Staff Emma Corrado, African American Chamber President John Harmon and industry leaders from WisEngineering and Savit Corporation represented the connection between Picatinny and the local business community. The visit featured meetings at the Pentagon, a VIP reception at the Hart Senate Office Building, and Capitol Hill discussions to reinforce Picatinny Arsenal’s contributions to national defense and its substantial economic footprint.
“Picatinny’s impact extends well beyond its gates. It strengthens our local economy, and offers educational and workforce development opportunities, particularly in STEM fields. Supporting Picatinny is not just a military priority, it’s an economic necessity,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw.
As one of the largest employers in the region, the arsenal anchors Morris County’s economic development while contributing to national security. Its STEM-focused initiatives, including internships and partnerships with local schools such as the County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School District, help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring long-term sustainability in defense innovation.
“This visit was an important demonstration of solidarity and support for an indispensable asset to our community and our country,” said Marty Kane, Picatinny Arsenal retiree and member of the PEC. “We look forward to continuing our advocacy for Picatinny and ensuring its legacy endures for generations.”
About the Picatinny Enhancement Coalition
The Picatinny Enhancement Coalition advocates for Picatinny Arsenal’s continued success by cultivating strong relationships between the installation, local communities, businesses, and government leaders. Its mission is to highlight the arsenal’s contributions to national defense and regional economic growth while addressing the unique challenges faced by Northeast military installations.
