FUNDS ADD TO $650,000 PASCRELL SECURED LAST YEAR
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today lauded inclusion of $800,000 for the Pompton Lakes Downtown Streetscape Revitalization Project in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Act of 2005- A Legacy for Users (SAFTEA-LU). Passed by the House and Senate last week, SAFETEA-LU renews federal funds for highway and transit programs designed to replace the expiring Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
The $800,000 in federal funds, which can be used to beautify and revitalize the Wanaque Avenue Business District, comes in addition to $650,000 that Rep. Pascrell pushed through the appropriations process and secured for the Borough in December 2004. The money will be used to enhance the sidewalks, curbs, fences, lighting, landscape, signage, and other physical structures to make visual improvements in the business district.
"Pompton Lakes is a town of great people and great economic potential," stated Pascrell, a member on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "I am confident that the $1,450,000 in federal investment that Pompton Lakes will demonstrate how streetscape projects help create more vibrant communities."
"Once again the Borough has received great news. Due to efforts of Congressman Pascrell we are expecting an additional $800,000 in federal funds to assist out downtown Streetscape enhancement project," stated Mayor John Murrin. "While this project has received assistance from many, and no project of this scale is possible without such support, Congressman Pascrell's efforts and productivity in connection with this project are unprecedented during my four terms as Mayor of Pompton Lakes. On behalf of all who have supported this project and on behalf of Pompton Lakes, I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Bill Pascrell for his continuing efforts in this matter."
Specifically, Pompton Lakes has implemented a five phase project designed to improve its well defined but aging "downtown" area. The $800,000 will go toward the Pompton Lakes Downtown Revitalization Plan in its Central Business District. This entails circulation improvements, traffic calming, pedestrian safety and streetscaping at the intersection of Wanaque and Lenox Avenues. The area of development runs past economically-distressed businesses, through intersections, past the public library, past the Municipal Building, the Police Department, and ends at the Lenox Elementary School.
"This legislation provides Pompton Lakes with a fair share of federal dollars," stated Pascrell. "It takes another step in providing the people of Pompton Lakes with improved access to downtown business, safer roads for students and seniors to travel, and benches to accommodate pedestrians. 'Exciting' is the best word to describe the great momentum building behind the Wanaque Avenue Business District."
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