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October 7, 2016
Trenton, NJ

League Statement on Passage of TTF Reauthorization

Legislation passed today by both Houses of the Legislature will fund the Transportation Trust Fund for the next 8 years and increase the annual Local Aid portion to $400 million, per year.

Joseph Tempesta, Mayor of West Caldwell and President of the League issued the following:

“For over two years now, the reauthorization of the TTF has been a top League legislative priority. We have worked closely with our partners in ForwardNJ as well as the sponsors to achieve this historic commitment to the State’s infrastructure. Further, the doubling of the local aid allocations will provide critical property tax relief because absent adequate TTF funding, the people and businesses of New Jersey will have to support these investments with higher property taxes it’s been long road but we were all able to navigate thanks to the leadership of Governor Christie, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Prieto. We also thank Senators Sarlo and Oroho for their ongoing commitment to the TTF.“

Michael J. Darcy, the League’s Executive Director observed.

“The most densely populated State in the Country is also at the center of the Nation’s most important - and most heavily used - transportation network. As a result, our transportation infrastructure - vital to the prosperity of our economy - faces stress unequaled anywhere in North America. And the increase in local funding is appropriate, reasonable and essential. Now, time is of the essence. Projects that were shutdown will restart in the upcoming days and weeks. As we approach the end of the construction season, local officials will do everything possible to see to it that critical projects are prioritized before winter weather hits. We look forward to the Governor’s approval of the legislation and to the end of the moratorium on essential road and bridge work all around the State.

Timothy McDonough, Past President of the League, C0-Chair of the League’s TTF Task Force and Mayor of Hope concluded:

“The Local Aid funding increase is necessary because the people and businesses of New Jersey (and visitors to our State) depend on local roads and bridges. The need for investments in local roads and bridges has been well-documented. New Jersey municipalities are responsible for over 29,000 miles of roads. Together with the proposed Constitutional dedication of the funds, which goes before the voters in November, these bills will meet the transportation infrastructure needs of New Jersey residents and businesses - and the needed relief for New Jersey property taxpayers - for years to come.”

Contact: Michael Cerra, Assistant Executive Director, by email or 609-695-3481, ext. 120.