State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued $10.3 million in funding to assist Monmouth County in completing infrastructure improvements at the municipal level.
“Our roads and bridges are heavily used, 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 a road or bridge,” Gopal said.
“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 in my district to effectively and safely execute these projects,” he said.
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, according to a press release from the senator.
DOT 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 Reauthorization Act of 2016, according to the press release.
Funding for grants-in-aid programs to counties and municipalities increased from $190 million per year to $430 million under the Transportation Trust Fund reauthorization.
Transportation Trust Fund money is available for eligible projects identified in the county’s Annual Transportation Program. Projects may be improvements to public roads and bridges under county jurisdiction, or other transportation related work, according to the press release.
New Jersey’s 21 counties will receive a total of $161.25 million through the County Aid program that will help maintain local roads and bridges. Officials in each county will determine what projects to fund through the grant.
County Aid funds are appropriated by the state Legislature annually for the improvement of public roads and bridges under county jurisdiction. Public transportation and other transportation projects also are included, according to the press release. Counties are required to submit eligible projects to DOT for approval prior to Feb. 1, 2019.
