Why Cumberland

Beginning in 2015, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners designated The Authority as the county’s economic development and redevelopment agency. With bonding capacity and redevelopment authority, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority gradually began to not only facilitate private development projects across the county, but to construct and manage many public facilities and shared services projects. The five-year economic impact of these 26 projects, some $615 million, is detailed in our Impact Report.

Throughout 2023, there have been additional public projects, in which have accumulated total investment of $589 million, over 2,000 total new jobs, and a total economic impact of $1 billion. This impact is detailed in our 2023 Annual Impact Analysis.

The Authority’s role is to advocate for local businesses, assist in relocating new business and industry to Cumberland County, and to be a catalyst for development and innovation across the county.

Great Location

Cumberland County, a dynamic community of 153,000, is strategically located in the center of the Northeast corridor, providing access to the nation’s largest markets. The county is within easy driving distance of 20 percent of the US population, including the major metropolitan markets of New York, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. This mid-Atlantic, business-friendly location includes thousands of affordable acres primed for development, with infrastructure, business incentives, and comprehensive workforce services.

Infrastructure

In addition to its prime location, Cumberland County businesses have access to a complete transportation network, including state and federal highways, airways, waterways, and rail. Cumberland County’s mid-Atlantic location means prime access to the regional, national and global marketplace.

By road: State Route 55 serves as the county’s gateway. Four-lane connections to the NJ Turnpike and Interstate highways 95 and 295 offer ease of access to other markets up and down the east coast.

By rail: Southern NJ has competitive rail service to destinations across the country and Canada via the short lines owned and operated by OmniTrax.

By water: The county is located within an hour’s drive of two of the country’s top deep water ports

By air: Seven international airports, including Philadelphia International, Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, and LaGuardia, are within two hours of the Cumberland County. At the heart of the county is Millville Executive Airport, with runways that can accommodate the full range of business aircraft. This airport is operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority.

Utilities: Water and sewer service are available in developable areas; electric and gas infrastructure are also in place to support large-scale industrial facilities

Rt. 55 Innovation Corridor

Through the merger of Rowan University with the county’s community college, now known as Rowan College of South Jersey, Rt. 55 has become a key corridor for commerce, innovation, and medicine. Rt. 55 serves as a linkage to the medical, educational, research, and commerce advancements that will shape the economic future of Cumberland County.

Quality of Life

Cumberland County provides a variety of lifestyle options, amenities, and recreation. Residents have the charm and allure of small town living while at the same time, proximity to multiple major cities, the mountains, and the beautiful Jersey Shore. The County is home to 42 miles of Delaware Bay coastline, picturesque farmland, historic communities, and a diverse range of arts and cultures. There is something for everyone from a zoo, live performance theatres, NJ’s tall ship, the A. J. Meerwald, museums, and a world-class motorsports park. Our natural and preserved areas and riverfronts offer hiking, biking, and walking trails.

Education and Wellness

Access to nationally-ranked and globally known healthcare and education institutions also makes Cumberland County the most resourceful location for family growth and development. Rowan College of South Jersey recently merged with Rowan University to form a unique two- and four-year partnership, providing access to higher education at an affordable price. We are home to one of the State’s leading regional medical centers and healthcare networks, a nationally-recognized community college and New Jersey’s newest and most advanced technology high school.