Press Releases
Pascrell Lauds Federal Highway Reauthorization that Provides more Funding for New Jersey Surface Transportation Systems
Washington, DC,
July 29, 2005
MEASURE INCLUDES OVER $50 MILLION SPECIFICALLY EARMARKED FOR EIGHTH DISTRICT PROJECTS U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-08) praised House passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The funding bill includes $286.4 billion in guaranteed spending and $295 billion in contract authority from FY04-09. The legislation renews federal funds for highway and transit programs designed to replace the expiring Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, known as TEA-21. "This critical bill is two years overdue, but today we moved one step closer to securing the funds that will positively affect the quality of life for every single American." stated Rep. Pascrell, a senior member of the House Transportation Committee. "As congestion on our roads is increasing and more people than ever are riding public transportation, it is crucial that the federal government meet the mobility needs of this expanding nation. Investment will expand the transportation systems that spur America's productivity. An expansion of our transportation systems will create jobs and economic gains." Funding for specific projects in the Eighth Congressional District includes:
Included in this measure is also both strong language and hard dollars for New Jersey Transit to work with the Federal Transit Administration to build a needed second commuter rail tunnel under the Hudson River between Northern New Jersey and Midtown Manhattan. This project is a top priority for the state and will help congestion relief throughout New Jersey's intermodal system. Pascrell succeeded in securing an additional $1.5 million in federal funding (added with $2.5 provided by the Senate) for New Jersey Transit to plan the project. As passed, SAFETEA-LU reauthorizes not only federal highway, public transportation, highway safety, and motor carrier safety programs. One new item in this bill strongly supported by Rep. Pascrell is a funding stream to provide safe routes to schools for school children, and other bicycle and pedestrian friendly projects. ### |