Princeton Gets State Grant For Harrison Street Improvement Project

PRINCETON, NJ – Several towns in Mercer County, including Princeton, have received Municipal Aid grants from the state for infrastructure improvements across town.

Princeton got $818,256 for the North Harrison Street Improvements Project.

The purpose of the project is to enhance motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrian safety and reduce crashes.

“The recently announced Municipal Aid Grant from NJDOT for the North Harrison Street Improvements Project is welcome news," Council President Mia Sacks said. "The improvements are designed to facilitate traffic calming, and to enhance bike and pedestrian safety, in keeping with Princeton’s Complete Streets and Vision Zero goals.”

In total, Mercer County received $6,534,779 from the state for infrastructure projects, earmarked for pedestrian safety and road projects.

More than 41 percent of the funding, $61.9 million, is going to 176 municipalities with Complete Streets policies. Another $22.2 million is being awarded to 56 communities where the project meets equity criteria to benefit low-income and minority populations, Gov. Phil Murphy’s office said.

“Municipal Aid allows our communities to undertake transportation projects that significantly improve the quality of life for New Jersey residents,” Murphy said.

“Under our Administration’s stewardship, the State is doing its part to help municipalities improve local infrastructure, so we have a safe and efficient transportation system throughout the state."

The Municipal Aid grant program received 595 applications from 540 different municipalities with a total of $375 million was requested.

These project applications were evaluated and rated on their merits by NJDOT staff and reviewed by an independent panel of state municipal engineers.

Every municipality that applied for funding, all 540 municipalities, received a grant, totaling $150 million, Murphy’s office said.

“Thanks to the Murphy Administration’s ongoing commitment to improving New Jersey’s infrastructure, communities have the resources they need to improve local roads and bridges,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Every one of the 540 municipalities who applied for Municipal Aid received a grant, which will make travel smoother and safer on all of our roads.”
Under the Municipal Aid grant program, each county is apportioned a share of the total funding based on population and the number of local centerline miles. Municipalities compete for portions of their county’s share.

NJDOT provides 75 percent of the grant amount when a town awards a contract and the remaining 25 percent upon completion of the project. Of the $150 million, $10 million is allotted for municipalities qualifying for Urban Aid as defined under state law, with the amounts determined by the Department of Community Affairs.

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