SOUTH ORANGE - U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) and Donald Payne (D-NJ-10) today lauded inclusion of $1.2 million for the South Orange Rahway River Corridor Greenway Project in the federal transportation spending bill.  Passed by the House and Senate on July 29, 2005, the legislation renews federal funds for highway and transit programs designed to replace the expiring transportation and infrastructure programs.  President George W. Bush signed the legislation on Wednesday, August 10, 2005.

"The people of South Orange finally have the funding necessary to incorporate one of the community's greatest natural resources, the Rahway River, into their everyday lives," stated Pascrell, a member on the House Transportation Committee.  "A pedestrian and bicycle-friendly river corridor will increase non-motorized access to public transportation, recreation and the amenities of Downtown South Orange."

 "I am pleased that we were able to secure this funding in the transportation bill to benefit the South Orange community," stated Rep. Donald Payne.  "The Greenway will offer residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life by having a safe path to walk, jog and bike.  As a result of this important enhancement, the people of South Orange will reap environmental, economic and safety benefits."

"We are so grateful for the support that Congressman Pascrell and Congressman Payne have given us, not only for this important project, but for all of our endeavors to make the Village a better place to live, stated Mayor William Calabrese.  "This funding is a wonderful example of how different levels of government can work together to accomplish something very beneficial for the people they represent."

Specifically, the $1.2 million will significantly advance development and construction of this three phase project proposal that calls for ecological rehabilitation of the section of the Rahway River through the Village of South Orange, with a bicycle and pedestrian pathway to link the various destinations for non-motorized travel.  Phase I involves rehabilitation of the center section of the river that runs through the downtown.  The goal is to increase access and transportation options to downtown resources and passive and active recreational activities.

The Rahway River has been channelized as part of a flood control project.  Currently there is no off-road path connecting the destinations, and local streets can be hazardous to pedestrians both young and old.  The completed greenway corridor will act as gateway to and from downtown and the parks and neighborhoods.  It can also be utilized as a safe route for students to get to school.

"South Orange has demonstrated a commitment to getting commuters out of their cars and into mass transit through the community shuttle bus program," said Pascrell who created the Jitney bus program in previously passed transportation legislation.  "The Rahway River Pedestrian/Bicycle project will reduce congestion and localized air pollution by getting more cars off the streets.  Being in New Jersey- the most densely populated state in the Union- we can and must do more to promote alternates modes of transportation.  South Orange has proven committed to doing just that."

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