New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials are espousing the benefits of a $28.8 million funding allotment they said would improve the state’s rail transportation network.
The 13 grants via the agency’s FY2020 Rail Freight Assistance Program aid in supporting economic activity by preserving and improving the existing freight transportation system while making freight rail service more widely available for businesses throughout the state.
“The Murphy Administration is committed to strengthening New Jersey’s economy by improving our rail transportation network to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods,” NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “The projects funded through the Rail Freight Assistance Program provide businesses with options on how to ship goods.”
Rail Freight Assistance Program grants generally provide funding for between 70 and 90 percent of the estimated cost of each project while the sponsor is responsible for providing the remaining amount. The scope of work among the projects includes building new sidetracks for loading and unloading, upgrading and repairing existing railroad tracks, installing new or upgraded switches and repairing bridges and culverts.
The NJDOT Office of Grants Management administers the Rail Freight Assistance Program, providing funding for capital improvements resulting in the continuation of economically viable rail freight services in the state.