(WASHINGTON, DC) – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today joined members of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation to announce the awarding of a combined $1,488,559,836 in Sandy resiliency grants to repair and fortify the state’s transit system, which had sustained significant damage.
“New Jersey took it on the chin during Superstorm Sandy,” said Sen. Menendez. “The record storm surge flooded out train stations, destroyed rail yards and crippled our public transit system that millions rely on everyday to get around. Sandy taught us that we must rebuild our infrastructure to withstand future disasters. This critical federal funding will help ensure the Garden State recovers from Sandy, stronger and better than before the storm.”
“Our state’s economy depends on having reliable mass transportation. These grants move New Jersey another step closer toward full recovery from Superstorm Sandy and are essential to building a transportation infrastructure that can withstand future storms,” Sen. Booker said. “I look forward to continuing my work with Sen. Menendez and New Jersey’s Congressional delegation to bring these vital resources home.”
The Senators worked closely with members of the state’s House delegation to secure the following Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants:
New Jersey Transit – $1,276,022,811.00 total
·$88,903,190.00 for Train Controls - Wayside Signals, Power & Communication Resiliency Project
·$184,493,910.00 for Delco Lead Safe Haven Storage and Re-Inspection Facility Project
·$409,764,814.00 for N.J. TransitGrid
·$446,312,465.00 for N.J. Transit Raritan River Drawbridge Replacement Project
·$146,548,432.00 for Hoboken Long Slip Flood Protection.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – $212,537,025.00 total
·$16,815,975.00 for Concrete Sea Wall East of PATH Harrison Car Maintenance Facility
·$14,861,400.00 for Harrison Car Maintenance Facility Automatic Flood Barrier
·$40,200,000.00 for Penn-Moynihan Station Complex Train-shed Hardening Project
·$18,900,000.00 for Extension of Rail Yards
·$84,675,000.00 for World Trade Center Site & Transit Facilities Flood Mitigation & Resiliency Improvements Program
·$37,084,650.00 for Exchange Place, Newport Station & Grove Street Station Head House Protection
“Hurricane Sandy not only had an enormous impact on families across the region, but also devastated our already crumbling infrastructure,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ-09). “Repairing our mass transit system is vital to the commerce of the region, as well as supporting the thousands of commuters that help drive our economy. These federal funds will help ensure our mass transit systems are stronger and more resilient to future disasters. We simply can’t afford to leave these critical transportation networks unprotected.”
“A strong transportation system is critical to our economy and to our daily lives here in New Jersey,” said Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-06). “These grants will allow for significant improvements in Middlesex County that will help modernize our infrastructure and keep us moving. As we continue to rebuild in the years after Superstorm Sandy, we have a unique opportunity to improve the public infrastructure in our state so that it is stronger and able to withstand future storms. I want to thank the Department of Transportation for this important investment for our community.”
“I am pleased that these much-needed funds are being directed to New Jersey Transit,” said Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11). “As the author in the House of Representatives of the amendment that included the appropriation to fund this program, I am gratified that this grant will help ensure the ongoing reliability of New Jersey’s transportation system.”
"As we rebuild from the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy it is critical that we redouble our efforts to build better, stronger, and more resilient infrastructure," said Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12). "This funding will enable NJTRANSIT to better plan for future climate emergencies by moving rail cars out of harm's way."
“Superstorm Sandy was devastating to New Jersey’s communities, infrastructure, and economy,” said Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-08). These grants will provide critical funding and help New Jersey rebuild. I will continue to work with my counterparts in the New Jersey delegation to ensure that funding is directed to projects that will strengthen our resiliency and economy.”
“This funding is significant in protecting our critical infrastructure and to modernizing our transit systems to compete in the 21st Century,” said Rep. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10). “As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, it has been my priority to rebuild our infrastructure so that it is stronger and more resilient as we prepare for future disasters whether they are manmade or by Mother Nature. With this commitment from the Department of Transportation, we will continue to rebuild New Jersey stronger than before the storm.”
The FTA’s resiliency funding is intended to protect public transportation infrastructure that has been repaired or rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy or that is at risk of being damaged or destroyed by a future natural disaster.