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Jersey Department of Transportation Press Release
- February 2, 2000
NJDOT TO AWARD $12 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT
GRANTS
Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein today announced
the award of $12 million in transportation enhancement grants funded
through the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21).
"Quality of life is of paramount importance to New
Jerseyans, yet deciding on the criteria to promote it varies distinctly
from community to community." Governor Christie Whitman said. "Transportation
touches all of our lives and factors into a variety of decisions including
where we shop, work and live. Ultimately, transportation is a way to
bolster our economy while at the same time improve our quality of life.
These grants are for projects, formulated at the local level that assist
our towns and counties in meeting both laudable goals."
The grant awards will fund 35 projects across the state
in fiscal year 2000, including $500,000 to theU.S.S. New Jersey Battleship
Commission for the berthing of the Battleship New Jersey, $500,000 for
Sussex Branch Trail and $600,000 for phase 2 of Hoboken's Washington
Street Beautification project.
"The Transportation Enhancement program is a common
thread linking state and federal policy. It strives to ensure that these
types of projects are an integral part of our transportation investment
policy. TEA-21 and Gov. Whitman's transportation vision, called NJ FIRST,
recognize that transportation initiatives must include consideration
of our natural environment and the characteristics of surrounding communities,"
Commissioner Weinstein said.
Enhancement grants typically fund non-traditional transportation
projects, including the creation of bicycling and pedestrian trails,
restoration of historic canals, historic train station rehabilitations
and improvements to downtown streetscapes.