CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — It was a rare moment in Camden as several of New Jersey’s former governors attended the groundbreaking for a $3 billion expansion of Cooper University Hospital on Tuesday.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy was joined by former Govs. Chris Christie, Jon Corzine, Jim McGreevey, and Tom Kean Sr. Each shared personal stories about their time in Camden and how Cooper has been a beacon of hope during their revitalization efforts.
Kean said it had been one of the state’s most rewarding bipartisan efforts.
“Each and every one of these governors looked to Camden as an opportunity — as something they could do — a way to make it better,” he said.
For Corzine, it was a personal thank you as he talked about the 17 days he spent at the hospital fighting for his life.
“It gave me so much inspiration because I knew they were giving the same kind of care to everybody who walks through that door,” he said.
The groundbreaking marks the start of the first phase of the project, adding a 10-story, 35,000-square-foot hospital tower and more than 100 patient beds. The new building will be linked to the cancer center with a bridge over Haddon Avenue and is slated for completion by 2028.
Christie said it took decades of teamwork to see the project through.
“What you learn as governor is that you cannot do this by yourself,” he said.
Cooper Hospital has been recognized as a top-performing regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals annual survey for six years.
Murphy said that as Cooper has risen, so have Camden’s residents.
“And just as Cooper helped heal both its patients and its community, the people of Camden have helped it every step of the way,” he said.
Each governor thanked Cooper chairman George Norcross for his tenacity and dedication to the city.
Cooper University Health Care is one of the largest employers in Camden City and Camden County, with over 11,000 team members. It is projected to create hundreds of permanent jobs for the city and nearby residents.