Roadway Projects Receive Funding from Trenton

Late last week, both River Edge and Oradell learned they were two out of 47 Bergen County municipalities that will share more than $7.5 million in NJDOT Local Aid grants to advance street improvement, rehabilitation and safety projects without burdening local property taxpayers. Statewide 387 Local Aid grants were awarded, totaling $78.4 million.

Approximately $146,500 will be going to each town. Oradell's funding will be used towards repaving Martin Avenue (section two), Pyle Street, Lake Avenue (section two) and John Street. Section six of Howland Avenue in River Edge is slated for completion upon receipt of funding.

“The Christie Administration strongly supports funding for Local Aid because it understands how important it is for government at all levels to provide safe streets and roads for motorists and pedestrians alike,” said NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson in a press release. “These grants advance local projects without placing a burden on local property taxpayers.” 

Municipal governments maintain 29,408 centerline miles of streets and roads, or 74 percent of the statewide total. The Municipal Aid grant program covers a variety of projects, including road resurfacing and reconstruction projects. However, towns are encouraged to submit applications for such non-traditional projects as those that support safety, walking and biking and streetscape improvements in their communities.

“New Jersey’s Local Aid program provides significant support to municipalities throughout the state,” said William G. Dressel Jr., executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities in a press release. “Now more than ever, alternate revenues other than property taxes are needed and appreciated by mayors and residents alike.”

Under the Municipal Aid grant program, each county is apportioned a share of the total funding based on population, the number of local centerline miles and other factors, and 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.