TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEMBER HAS BROUGHT HOME TOTAL
OF $1.35 MILLION FOR BLOOMFIELD TRAIN STATION SINCE 2003

BLOOMFIELD - In an effort to further develop Bloomfield Center, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has again delivered federal funds to improve the Bloomfield Center Lackawanna Train Station.  The Congressman was joined by Mayor Ray McCarthy and officials from New Jersey Transit to announce funding from two federal sources in the combined amount of $600,000 to renovate the train station.

"I am proud to once again deliver funds for a project that is so important to the people and economy of Bloomfield," stated Pascrell, New Jersey's senior Democratic member on the House Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure.  "This is exactly the type of smart transportation project that the federal government needs to invest in.  By improving mass transportation, we will reduce congestion on our streets and create environmentally friendly transportation options.  This funding will preserve the historic character of the station encourage economic development in Bloomfield.  I am excited to play a role in helping the township develop its economic center."  

The enhancements available through the federal money will be invested in refurbishing the in-bound waiting room and fixing the platform.  The new waiting room will provide a safe and attractive shelter that will improve the quality of life and environment for commuters who utilize the station.  Bloomfield Station is a registered historic site and is part of New Jersey Transit's midtown direct service.  This investment will play an important role in encouraging mass transit ridership and stimulating Bloomfield's redevelopment initiative.

"Congressman Pascrell has again proven to be great friend," stated Mayor Ray McCarthy.  "His past history and consideration for the people of Bloomfield is paramount to none.  This funding will enable us to take care of the commuters who use our train station.  It is appropriate that on a cold day like today, we are announcing strides in bringing greater comfort, warmth and shelter to commuters who use this rail station."

"I want to thank Congressman Pascrell for his leadership in Washington and for bringing home the critical federal funding needed to make the rehabilitation of the Bloomfield Station shelter possible, said NJ Transit Executive Director, George Warrington.

On November 30, 2005, Pascrell secured $500,000 for Bloomfield Station through the federal appropriation process.  On December 2, 2005, the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced that the Bloomfield Station redevelopment would receive an additional $100,000 in Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant funding.  TE grants are federal dollars that are administered by the state.  Pascrell announced a $750,000 TE grant for the station in 2003 to combine with these new funds for a total of $1.35 million in federal funding over the last 3 years.   
 
Congress created the TE program in 1991 to fund transportation related activities that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the Nation's intermodal transportation systems.  The TE program was reauthorized in 1998 and again most recently in August of 2005, when the federal transportation reauthorization was signed into law.  As recently as 2003, Pascrell vigorously defended the TE program from attempted elimination by House Republican leadership.

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