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December 11, 2014
Trenton, NJ
Municipal Leaders Thank Senate President Sweeney for Leadership on Local Transportation Aid
Today in Trenton, the New Jersey League of Municipalities
joined the New Jersey Association of Counties and the American
Automobile Association of New Jersey to support Senate President Steve
Sweeney in his effort to replenish the State’s vital Transportation
Trust Fund (TTF) and to increase funding for local roads and bridges.
The Senate President has proposed a significant increase in TTF Local
Aid funding - from the current level of about $190 million, per year,
up to $400,000.
Hope Township Mayor Tim McDonough, who Chairs the League’s
TTF Review Committee, and Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson thanked Senate
President Sweeney, on behalf of all New Jersey Mayors.
Mayor McDonough noted, “…we need to fund our
transportation infrastructure and we need to do it quickly. Our focus
is on the local level and we truly appreciate the Senate President’s
plan to double the Local Aid TTF funding. … Local officials know that
investments in these assets (local roads and bridges) must be made.
Failure to do so can compromise the safety of the public, the economic
vitality of our communities and the security of our neighborhoods. …
The Senate President has been a tremendous advocate for local officials
and his commitment to doubling the Local Aid in TTF funding will mean
better roads, bridges and infrastructure for municipalities and for
middle class taxpayers.”
Citing statistics showing that New Jersey's
municipalities are responsible for 64% (28,539 center line road
miles) of our roads, that County governments are responsible for
another 22% (6,649 center line road miles), and that, together,
local governments are responsible for 39% of our bridges. Mayor
Jackson said, “… it’s clear that we at the local level bear the brunt of
dealing with our state’s crumbling infrastructure. We have not,
however, received the funding we need to make the necessary
improvements without impacting property taxpayers. That is why Senate
President Sweeney’s plan meets our real needs. And that is why his
leadership is so appreciated.”
* * * *
For further information contact:
William G. Dressel, Jr., Executive Director at 609-695-3481,
extension 122 or 609-915-9072.
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