The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will invest about $834.6 million to support public transit across the Garden State stemming from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The funding, celebrated by Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr., and Albio Sires, will help ensure transit agencies can modernize and expand their services for residents, commuters, and travelers.
Of note, NJ Transit is expected to buy new buses and railcars with the funding. Additionally, they are expected to repair backlogs, modernize fleets, and transition to new technologies to address the climate crisis.
Prior Funding from IIJA
Additionally, these investments will support U.S. manufacturing due to Buy America requirements that apply to steel, iron, and other materials necessary for public infrastructure construction.
The $834.6 million award was not the first stemming from the IIJA, a $1.2 trillion piece of bipartisan legislation enacted in November 2021.
In December 2021, $54 million was allocated to New Jersey airports. Newark Liberty International Airport received $42.4 million of the total, with the rest allocated to
In January, $229 million was announced to repair bridges in the state, including $143 specifically earmarked to rebuild the Route 3 bridge over the Hackensack River.
Ultimately, the state should receive billions of dollars through the IIJA to help repair roads and highways, expand mass transit, replace water and sewer pipes, build the Gateway Project, and to increase broadband internet access.
New Jersey Legislators React
Sen. Menendez: “I was proud to work alongside Senator Booker to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill which allowed for increased funding for our state’s transportation systems. This funding will help ensure that NJ Transit and communities across the state have the necessary resources to get residents safely where they need to go, keep essential workers on the job, and move our economy forward.”
Sen. Booker: “With another round of robust funding being allocated, New Jersey will be able to strengthen its transit system which residents use each day. As public transportation options are expanded through this investment, we will also be reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. I am proud to have voted for the bipartisan infrastructure bill last year and am encouraged to see New Jersey make incredible progress.”
Rep. Sires: “I am pleased that the Federal Transportation Administration has announced this substantial award to support public transit in New Jersey. Many of my constituents rely on public transit every day to get to work and school, buy groceries, visit the doctor, and connect with loved ones. This award will provide critical support to help ensure that our transit systems in New Jersey are in a state of good repair and can meet the needs of our residents.”
Rep. Pascrell: “There is no state in our American union that relies more on roads, bridges, and tunnels than the Garden State. Congress passed the historic 2021 transportation investment bill precisely for states like New Jersey to put people to work and get people to work. The massive funding announced today will give a herculean boost to New Jersey Transit and help upgrade our aging system.”
