■ Transportation
■ Transportation
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / primeimages
Funds will also be used to make improvements in access to broadband and public transportation , two quality of life issues .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / primeimages / Davslens Photography daily operations . These include ensuring access to clean drinking water , widening access to broadband , and enhancing the efficiency of airports and mass transit systems in the years and decades to come .
Strategic Allocation of Funds
To ensure optimal utilization of the allocated funds , the IIJA establishes a funding program that mandates adherence to a set schedule for states , counties , and municipalities . For each funding year , a portion of the funds must be allocated to specific projects within three years and expended within five . This approach contrasts with previous infrastructure and transportation programs , where funds often flowed directly to states without requiring detailed investment plans .
The IIJA ’ s program compels administrators to identify areas of need and proactively apply for grants or reimbursement funds . This shift in focus encourages strategic planning and prioritization , ensuring that funds are directed towards projects that yield the greatest impact .
As noted earlier , this is federal funding , but that doesn ’ t mean state leaders are not also looking closely at ways to keep other important investments moving forward . To cite one example , the Transportation Trust Fund is scheduled to sunset in 2024 , but there is a push to renew this program to ensure additional vital investments to our roads and bridges can continue . Although we are in an inflationary environment , gas prices overall have fallen in recent months – and the extra few cents per gallon are adding critical revenue that ultimately benefits us all .
In the first 18 months since the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act was passed into law , New Jersey has announced that nearly $ 6 billion in funding has been allocated for various projects across the state . Projects are being brought to life in all 21 New Jersey counties , with $ 3.7 billion allocated to roads , bridges , and major projects . $ 1.3 billion has been allocated to nonroad related transportation projects , including those in public mass transit . Other areas of investment include environmental remediation , water , resilience , and clean energy and power .
To cite a few examples : the state is receiving the largest federal investment in broadband in its history , and statewide investments in the Safe Streets for All program will prevent roadway deaths and create safer environments for pedestrians , bicyclists , public transportation users , and of course , motorists . Other beneficiaries of the federal funding include the long-delayed Gateway Project , which involves the construction of new tunnels under the Hudson River from New Jersey into Manhattan . New public transportation options not only help commuters , but they also increase property values and improve the quality of life of all residents . And the New Jersey Department of Transportation has approved a plan that will invest more than $ 100 million in electric vehicle charging stations , which means cleaner air for our communities .
It ’ s an exciting time for infrastructure planners , engineers , and contractors both in New Jersey and throughout the region . We look forward to working with our partners throughout the state to get even more of these projects underway in 2024 and beyond .
Gary Dahms is the president and CEO of T & M Associates , a leading national consulting , engineering , environmental , and technical services firm headquartered in Middletown .
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