WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major boost for New Jersey’s public transportation system, Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today announced the allocation of $75 million in Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program grants. This funding is earmarked for the reconstruction of the Peckman Bridge in Cedar Grove and the Wood-Ridge Maintenance of Way (MOW) facility, both of which incurred significant damage during Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The grants, provided by the Department of Transportation, are intended to restore and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure against future adverse weather events, enhancing the safety and reliability of public transportation for New Jersey commuters. “As we witness the escalating impacts of climate change manifesting through severe weather conditions, ensuring our infrastructure can withstand these challenges is imperative,” stated Sen. Menendez. “This investment signifies Congress’s commitment to developing durable, sustainable infrastructure for future generations.”
The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Emergency Relief Program supports public transit systems in the recovery from emergencies or major disasters, facilitating the repair, protection, and replacement of facilities and equipment damaged by such incidents.
This announcement follows a series of significant funding achievements by Sen. Menendez for New Jersey, including a $19 million allocation announced in January to assist local school districts in acquiring clean school buses, and a $47 million grant in June for the modernization of the Hilton Bus Garage in Maplewood. This modernization effort is designed to support battery-electric buses, contributing to increased transit service in densely populated areas with a focus on reducing emissions.
Additionally, in January 2023, Sen. Menendez revealed over $11 million in federal transportation grants awarded to New Jersey ferry services for upgrading propulsion systems to hybrid and electric technologies and for making essential repairs at the Belford Ferry Terminal in Middletown.