Trenton
New Jersey
This Week in NJ - July 12th, 2024
Government and Politics
July 12, 2024
From: New Jersey Governor Phil MurphyGateway Development Commission Secures Full Funding for Hudson Tunnel Project
The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for $6.88 billion in federal funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP) and closed on Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loans from the Build America Bureau totaling $4.06 billion to fund the local share of the project.
With these actions, GDC has secured the entire $16 billion commitment needed to complete the HTP. This includes $12 billion in federal funding – the largest federal funding commitment to a rail transportation project in modern history.
“Today marks a significant milestone on the path to ensuring the success of our nation’s most vital infrastructure project,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “Thanks to the leadership of our partners, both in Congress and across the Hudson, our federal government will be covering over 70 percent of the total cost of the Gateway Tunnel Project. As the main artery of our nation’s economy continues to be pushed to its limits, we are now one step closer to transforming the 100-year-old infrastructure under the Hudson River. New Jersey thanks the Biden-Harris Administration for delivering this critical investment so that our region’s transportation system will be able to support a new century of American leadership.”
“For a long time now, the Gateway project has been my passion. It's a labor of love. And after many false starts and obstacles placed in our way, Gateway is full speed ahead with billions from FTA ready to go and be used for critical work and construction,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “Gateway’s future is assured and the most important public works project in America is all systems go.”
“After decades of delays, the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project is finally moving forward. This Full Funding Grant Agreement will provide the critical resources needed to deliver an essential piece of infrastructure that will bring millions of visitors to New York every year,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “I am proud of the work we have done with President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg, Amtrak, and our partners in New Jersey to advance this project and I thank Majority Leader Schumer and the New York Congressional delegation for providing their support.”
Governor Murphy, Attorney General Platkin Announce Grant Recipients for Community Crisis Response Teams
Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that organizations in Camden City, Newark, Paterson, and Trenton have been selected to receive grant funds to support the creation of local Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) Pilot Programs. Eligible municipalities and community-based organizations participated in a competitive grant process that made up to $2 million available per municipality. The Center for Family Services in Camden, the Newark Community Street Team, the Reimagining Justice Inc./Paterson Healing Collective's Paterson Compassionate Care Collaborative Project, and Salvation and Social Justice in Trenton were selected to receive funds and establish CCRT pilots in their respective cities.
Governor Murphy signed the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act, P.L.2023, c.259, into law in January 2024. Named for Najee Seabrooks and Andrew Washington, individuals who were killed in separate encounters with law enforcement while experiencing mental health crises, the Act established, among other things, the Community Crisis Response Team Pilot Program. Community Crisis Response Teams help address an identified gap to accessing mental and behavioral health support in vulnerable communities.
The CCRT initiative builds on existing programs that support Attorney General Platkin’s comprehensive public health approach to public safety and improve outcomes for communities.
“I am glad to see the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act starting to take shape with the award of these grants to community crisis response organizations in some of the most vulnerable communities across our state. When I signed the Act into law earlier this year, I did so understanding the immense responsibility we have to assist those suffering from mental health crises,” said Governor Murphy. “We are prioritizing doing everything we can to protect those in crisis at their greatest time of need, rather than punish them. Community Crisis Response Teams are another tool in our growing arsenal of crisis response initiatives to aid those in mental distress.”
READ MORENJ TRANSIT Awarded $99 Million Grant From the FTA to Expand Electric Bus Infrastructure
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it has awarded a $99.5 million grant to NJ TRANSIT to modernize the 31-year-old Meadowlands Bus Garage in Secaucus to accommodate electric buses, consistent with the agency’s Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan. Highlights include installing charging equipment and constructing shelter and maintenance facilities.
“This $99 million grant from the FTA will be transformational in modernizing our transit infrastructure,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “In the most densely populated state in the country, it is critical that we keep our people moving while still leading the nation with bold environmental goals. This funding marks an important step in our transition toward a 100% zero-emissions bus fleet which is essential as we work to achieve environmental justice and equity across the state.”
“Transitioning to electric buses represents a paradigm shift in how we power our mass transit system and one that is already underway with our deployment of electric buses in the Camden region,” said DOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Fran O’Connor. “Through grants like this from FTA, we can continue transforming that vision for the future into reality and put New Jersey on track to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly transportation network.”
RetireReady NJ Launches Statewide Retirement Savings Program, Offering New Option for Private Sector Workers to Plan for the Future
Millions of employees in New Jersey will now have the ability to save for a secure retirement through the launch of RetireReady NJ. Established by the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program Act, RetireReady NJ is a State-administered retirement savings program that aims to reach workers who do not have access to private employer retirement plans.
New Jersey businesses with 25 or more employees that have been in business for two years or more and do not currently offer a qualified retirement plan will be required to register with the program. Employees will be given the opportunity to begin saving for retirement through convenient payroll deductions into a Roth or Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Individuals who work for other employers or who are self-employed will also be able to save directly with RetireReady NJ.
“Every worker in New Jersey deserves to retire with dignity and financial security," said Governor Phil Murphy. "By launching the RetireReady NJ initiative, we are one step closer to making that a reality. Workers that otherwise did not have access to a retirement plan through their private employers will now have an opportunity to save, advancing our mission of making retirement accessible and supporting New Jerseyans through every stage of their careers.”
Statement From Governor Murphy on the Passing of SCI Executive Director Chadd Lackey
“Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of New Jersey State Commission of Investigation Executive Director Chadd Lackey.
“Chadd broke barriers as SCI’s first Black executive director, working his way through the ranks over nearly 20 years of service to our state. During his time at the SCI, he took on organized crime, opioid abuse, corruption, and countless other issues. There is no doubt New Jersey is a safer and more just place because of him.
“Our heartfelt prayers are with his family and his colleagues at the SCI during this difficult time.”