Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez
JERSEY CITY, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today announced $1,128,889 in federal funding to conduct preliminary design and environmental activities to develop the Port Raritan Terminal Facility for active maritime use. Port Raritan is a marine terminal located within a 2,350 acre complex known as Raritan Center Business Park in Edison and Woodbridge.
“This is a great step towards expanding New Jersey’s waterways by increasing maritime shipping routes,” said Sen. Menendez. “Ultimately, this will reduce roadway congestion, reduce emissions, increase transportation options, and improve our state’s infrastructure.”
“Investment in maritime infrastructure creates jobs and strengthens our economy,” said Sen. Booker. “This federal funding will help to support New Jersey’s robust network of marine terminals that move goods efficiently, put people to work, and strengthen our supply chain network.”
The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) America’s Marine Highway Grant program. Last year, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced that the USDOT’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) designated the Port Raritan Terminal Facility as a Marine Highway Project part of America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP) that encourages the use of navigable waterways for the movement of freight and people as an alternative to land-based transportation. Because of the designation, Port Raritan is now eligible for federal grants, allowing for the expansion of the state’s marine highway system.