Project Labor Agreement Builds New Passaic County Service Center in West Milford

Officials cut the ribbon on the new Highlands Regional Service Center in West Milford, N.J., on April 22, 2026. (Photo from Passaic County via Instagram.)

$5.3 million facility built under a PLA brings public health, behavioral health and senior nutrition services together under one roof

A new $5.3 million Passaic County service center in West Milford was delivered under a project labor agreement, keeping skilled local tradespeople on the job and the economic benefits of the public investment in the region, NorthJersey.com reported.

The Highlands Regional Service Center, located at 13 Edgar Drive, opened with a ribbon cutting April 22 and brings public health, behavioral health and senior nutrition services together for residents in the northern part of the county. The facility is the result of a shared services agreement between Passaic County and West Milford Township and required no cost from the township.

In addition to the project’s PLA-backed construction, 85 percent of the building cost was covered through a combination of federal and state grants, including funds from the American Rescue Plan, the Health Infrastructure Grant, the Community Development Block Grant, the National Opioid Settlement and the Nutrition Trust Fund.

County officials cited the agreement as a key reason the project delivered on schedule and on budget while supporting the local construction workforce. Project labor agreements are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements that set consistent wages, work rules, safety standards and dispute-resolution procedures across every contractor and subcontractor on a project before construction begins.

“This satellite office is a testament to what shared services can accomplish,” West Milford Mayor Michele Dale said. “By working together, we’re bringing essential health and wellness resources closer to home for our residents.”

Passaic County Deputy Director Commissioner Orlando Cruz said the new center was about more than bricks and mortar, calling it a project rooted in equity and access for upcounty residents. The site will offer screenings, immunizations, mental health and substance use support, and senior meal and social programming.