newjerseynewsroom.com

Democratic-controlled Legislature will have final say

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

The state Department of Transportation Friday proposed spending $3.2 billion in the 2012-13 fiscal year that begins July 1 on highway, mass transit, bridge and public works projects.

If the proposal is approved by the Democratic-controlled Legislature, a total of $2.056 billion would be used by the NJDOT and $1.155 billion by New Jersey Transit.

State support for the proposed program amounts to $1.6 billion, including $1.01 billion for NJDOT and nearly $590 million for NJ TRANSIT.

The state support for NJDOT includes $353 million from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to advance projects within the port district. Federal support is projected at $1.48 billion, including $951 million for NJDOT and $529 million for NJ TRANSIT.

Funding for state and local bridge repair and rehabilitation projects is set at $685 million. The amount is described as keeping NJDOT on track to cut by half the number of NJDOT-owned or maintained structurally deficient bridges over the next nine years.

The program provides more than $311 million for highway pavement resurfacing, rehabilitation or reconstruction, a level described as supporting a long-term objective of increasing the percentage of NJDOT roadways in acceptable condition to 80 percent over the next nine years.

A total of $105 million is targeted toward safety programs, ranging from Safe Corridor, Safe Routes to School and other pedestrian safety initiatives.

A total of $343 million is slated for congestion mitigation efforts, including infrastructure improvements and the use of so-called Intelligent Transportation Systems to manage incidents and provide motorists with timely information.

A total of $42 million is being directed to investments supporting maritime, freight and rail initiatives, as well as bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

Local Aid grant programs would be supported with $380 million in federal and state funds. This includes $165 million for state aid programs to cities, towns and counties as well as $25 million for the local bridge improvements

The $1.155 billion program also advances debt service obligations, preventive maintenance, local programs and station and bus terminal improvements. Continues funding for the replacement of nearly 1,400 transit-style buses, funds ongoing track-replacement projects, supports bridge and tunnel inspection programs, funds security upgrades, and helps advance signal system, overhead power line and electric substation improvements

Officials describe the proposed program as reflecting principles established last year by Gov. Chris Christie to build a capital plan that reduces reliance on borrowing, increases pay-as-you-go and does not raise taxes.

“Transportation is the lifeblood of the New Jersey economy, and this capital program is a responsible and focused plan that addresses our top priorities and helps keep the New Jersey Comeback on track,” Christie said in a statement.

“The proposed program provides for significant, road, bridge and transit infrastructure investments while also funding initiatives that will promote safety for all who share our roads and access our public transportation system,” NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson said.

“The capital program will help us modernize our bus fleet and make improvements to track, signal and power systems, all of which have a direct impact on our constant efforts to improve the public transportation experience for our customers,” NJ TRANSIT Director James Weinstein added.

The proposal has been submitted to the Democratic-controlled Legislature for review and a vote and is being shared with the state’s three metropolitan planning organizations for their input.

The complete proposed FY 13 Capital Program.