Assembly Democrats Joseph Cryan and Annette Quijano (both D-Union) are pleased to announce that four towns in the 20th legislative district will receive a total of nearly $1 million in state aid to help fund critical road resurfacing and preservation projects.
“This is great news for many towns in our district, particularly during these difficult fiscal times,” said Cryan. “Year after year, I’ve wholeheartedly supported this program because it helps fund critical roadway and public safety improvements without placing an added burden on local property taxpayers. With Spring officially here, hopefully we’ll be seeing these projects break ground very soon.”
“Towns have been hit hard by this economy and forced to do more with less, which often times means putting off crucial projects such as these,” said Quijano. “This funding will go a long way towards helping towns meet their needs while remaining within the new two percent property tax cap. I’m pleased to support this program to help lessen the burden on local taxpayers.”
In the lawmakers’ legislative district, the following grants totaling $923,456 have been awarded:
- Elizabeth – $305,796 – Roadway safety work at two intersections on Elizabeth Ave.
- Hillside – $192,160 – Roadway preservation work along Westminster Ave.
- Roselle – $200,500 – Roadway preservation work along various streets
- Union Township – $225,000 – Roadway preservation work along Rahway Ave.
The funding comes from New Jersey’s Municipal Aid Program, which is appropriated annually by the legislature, a measure Cryan and Quijano have avidly supported every year.
Each Spring, municipalities are invited to apply for the program for that fiscal year through the state Department of Transportation. The aid is then awarded to municipalities in each county based on a formula contained in legislation.
Road improvement projects such as resurfacing, rehabilitation or reconstruction and signalization are funded from the $78.75 million in municipal aid distributed by formula. Additionally, $5 million is allotted for those municipalities that qualify for Urban Aid, which is distributed by a formula that is computed by the state Department of Community Affairs.