Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) announced today $25,073,671 of federal transportation funding for eleven projects across the state. The funding is being awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program that is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed Congress in 2021.
“This investment in street and roadway improvements will mean enhanced safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists across our state,” said Sen. Menendez. “It is one of the reasons I was proud to support the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which has already brought millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to New Jersey to improve ferry operations, expand airport facilities and technologies, and repair and replace some of the region’s most critical, but aging, infrastructure.”
“We must make our streets safer for all who use them,” said Sen. Booker. “Federal investments in upgrading our roads and sidewalks will reduce accidents and deaths for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.”
- $20,000,000.00 – City of Vineland, Chestnut Avenue Safety Improvements and Rehabilitation
- $400,000.00 – Essex County, Essex County Action Plan
- $480,000.00 – Hudson County, The County of Hudson Action Plan
- $436,800.00 – Borough of Dunellen, SS4A Action Plan Grant to Dunellen
- $699,271.44 – Union County, Union County Safe Streets for All Project
- $200,000.00 – City of Cape May, Cape Islands Safe Streets Action Plan
- $400,000.00 – City of Paterson, The City of Paterson Action Plan
- $200,000.00 – City of Atlantic City, Atlantic City Safe Streets for All Action Plan Grant Application
- $1,180,000.00 – Monmouth County, Monmouth County Safe Streets for All Action Plan
- $877,600.00 – New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Meadowlands Action Plan for Safety
- $200,000.00 – Township of Medford, Township of Medford Safe Streets for All Action Plan
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
“I want to thank all the members of our congressional delegation who helped support Vineland’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant application to improve safety on Chestnut Avenue between Main Road and Delsea Drive,” said Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci. “The work required is substantial, which without this grant would place a severe financial burden on Vineland taxpayers. Although final details for the project are still being considered, there is no doubt that this investment will improve traffic, biking, and pedestrian safety along this portion of Chestnut Avenue which saw over 660 accidents in the period between 2012-2016. It will also provide opportunities for good paying construction jobs for Vineland residents and beyond.”
“Safety is our top priority and, on behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, I would like to thank Senator Menendez, Senator Booker and all of the federal representatives who helped secure $1.18 million for comprehensive Safe Streets for All Action Plans in Monmouth County,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “These funds will allow Monmouth County to identify and plan to implement low-cost, high impact strategies, and explore innovative technologies that promote safety and equity for our residents and visitors.”
Millions of dollars from the IIJA have already flowed to the state since it was signed into law in November 2021.On Tuesday, Sens. Menendez and Booker joined President Joe Biden and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to announce the award of $292 million for the Gateway project. Earlier this week, the Senators announced more than $13 million for projects at the Atlantic City International Airport and for base improvements for the 177th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. In April, Sens. Menendez and Booker announced $834 million to support New Jersey’s public transit agencies. Last January, they announced $229 million to repair bridges across the state, including the Route 3 bridge over the Hackensack River. In December of 201, the lawmakers announced $54 million to support New Jersey’s airports.
Ultimately, New Jersey stands to receive billions of dollars from the IIJA to help the state repair roads and highways, expand mass transit, build the Gateway Project, replace water and sewer pipes and increase broadband internet access.