Senator Vin Gopal applauds the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s issuance of $10,302,964 in funding to assist the county in completing infrastructure improvements at the municipal level.
“Our roadways and bridges are heavily utilized, particularly during the summer when our tourism industry surges. It is imperative that we work to ensure our infrastructure is properly maintained to provide safe and smooth travel throughout Monmouth County and to avoid major repair projects that could close down a roadway or bridge,” said Senator Vin Gopal.
“We work hard to make sure Monmouth County receives its fair share of funding so we can maintain our infrastructure at the local level. I look forward to working with the municipalities within my district to effectively and safely execute these projects.”
This funding was doubled in Fiscal Year 2018 to become the largest County Aid grants in New Jersey history and this year’s grants maintain that amount provided to counties across the state.
NJDOT recently announced a new initiative, “Commitment to Communities,” that will enhance its efforts to assist local governments, identify more projects, and apply for the additional funding made possible through the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) Reauthorization Act of 2016.
Funding for grants-in-aid programs to counties and municipalities increased from $190 million per year to $430 million under the TTF reauthorization.
The Transportation Trust Fund is an essential tool in maintaining and enhancing the County transportation system. These state funds are available for eligible projects identified in the County’s Annual Transportation Program (ATP). Projects may be improvements to public roads and bridges under County jurisdiction, or other transportation related work.
The State’s 21 counties will receive a total of $161.25 million through the County Aid program that will help maintain local roads and bridges. The individual counties will determine what projects to fund through the grant. The grants are being funded through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund.
County Aid funds are appropriated by the Legislature annually for the improvement of public roads and bridges under county jurisdiction. Public transportation and other transportation projects also are included. County Aid funds are apportioned based on population and centerline miles in each county, and each county selects the projects that receive funding. Counties are required to submit eligible projects to NJDOT for approval prior to February 1, 2019.
