The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded an additional $100 million of federal funding to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). This additional money will allow the department to fund 28 projects in 19 counties.
“This announcement is recognition that the Federal Highway Administration understands that New Jersey has the ability to build projects that improve the roads and bridges in an efficient manner” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “As I outlined in my statewide economic plan, encouraging thriving and inclusive urban centers and downtowns cannot happen if enhancements to pedestrian safety, and walkable, bikeable, and healthy transportation options are not available. This funding helps us move forward toward that goal”
“This increased funding will allow the New Jersey Department of Transportation to get more work out on the street,” said NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Throughout the state there are many important safety and improvement projects in the pipeline. We’ve got work to do and I’m pleased the Federal Highway Administration is providing the ability to get more projects done.”
Each year, FHWA redistributes the limit of what each state may spend before the Federal fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. For FY19, FHWA has approved NJDOT’s entire request of $100 million – which is more than double the largest amount received over the past 10 years. In 2015, NJDOT’s spending limit was increased by $41.5 million. In three of the past 10 years, NJDOT did not receive any additional spending limit.
The funds will be used for a variety of projects including bridge preventative maintenance, pedestrian safety improvements, bikeway improvements, intersection improvements, and capital projects that will ease congestion and improve safety.
Of the 29 projects that are being funded, 10 are part of the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP), which provides federal funds for community based “non-traditional” projects designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the nation’s intermodal system. For a list of projects click here.
In addition, NJDOT was able to include $3 million for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Recreation Trails funding, the largest amount in a single year for the program.
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