Governor Phil Murphy announced funding to expand access to safe transportation and improve public transit facilities across the state.
The award totals more than $24 million across three programs in Murphy’s fiscal year 2023 budget.
According to a press release from Murphy’s office, funding for Local Assistance and Economic Development Grants increased nearly 50% in the last fiscal year, demonstrating the Murphy administration’s commitment to a wide range of transportation options and smart transit-oriented development. .
The Safe Streets to Transit program will provide $13.4 million to improve access to public transit and transit facilities in counties and municipalities. Middletown ($997,000) and Red Bank ($243,000) received grants from Safe Streets to Transit, according to a news release.
The Local Bikeway program will provide $8.4 million to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation, while the Transit Village program will provide $2.9 million to redevelop and redevelop areas around transit facilities into mixed-use neighborhoods. No local municipalities received funding from these two programs.
“To maximize the impact of a major transit upgrade, we must ensure that our transit facilities are connected not only to economically prosperous neighborhoods, but also to streets that safely and efficiently get our community members to their destinations,” Murphy is quoted as saying. in a press release.
“For many New Jerseyans, their daily commute doesn’t start or end at a train station. That’s why my administration is redoubling its efforts to promote active transportation alternatives and ensure that whether you’re a pedestrian or a bicyclist, you can safely and affordably access our nation’s leading public transportation network.” he said.
“The Department of Transportation is proud to support Governor Murphy’s vision to make New Jersey more fair, just and green. We are grateful to the Governor and the Legislature for providing an additional $20 million in grants this year for bikeways, safe transit streets and the transit village,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scacchetti.
“Increased funding means a record number of cities are receiving grants to build safer, more walkable and bikeable communities and promote the use of public transit,” she said.
Debra Kagan, executive director of the New Jersey Pedestrian and Bicyclist Coalition, said, “At a critical time of rising fatalities and serious injuries in our state, a significant increase in funding will help ensure better access to public transportation for vulnerable road users. and create more pedestrian and bicycle paths, an essential part of creating a safer and more equitable transportation system for New Jersey.”
