MEMBER NOTES
MEMBER NOTES
New Jersey ’ s Ongoing Infrastructure Updates
By Gary Dahms
In COMMERCE Magazine ’ s February 2023 issue , we took a deep dive into the exciting and long-awaited upgrades that the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ( IIJA ) would bring to the Garden State . As we kick off 2025 , let ’ s take a look at how this initiative is continuing to roll out statewide .
What the IIJA Means for NJ
The IIJA , signed into law in November 2021 , authorized about $ 1.2 trillion in badly needed infrastructure investments across the United States , comprised of both new project funding and overall infrastructure improvement . This included more than $ 12 billion for New Jersey , to be allocated over six years .
As a reminder , the IIJA represents a departure from previous infrastructure funding models , where funds were mainly drawn from the Transportation Trust Fund and the Department of Transportation Budget . This new influx of “ recession-resistant ” funding is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the deteriorating state of much of New Jersey ’ s infrastructure , including hundreds of aging bridges and roadways . The funding will also help strengthen our infrastructure and safeguard the state against future threats , including climate change and cyberattacks .
In establishing its statewide IIJA Office , New Jersey created five core policy commitments that serve as the priority tents by which it approves projects and allocates projects :
◾ Equity : At least 40 % of overall benefits must be allocated to underserved communities , including communities that are vulnerable to climate hazards and lack access to resources that include clean energy , affordable and sustainable housing , workforce development , and vital clean water and wastewater infrastructure .
◾ Job Creation : The IIJA ’ s guaranteed multi-year funding will help support our growing talent pipeline in areas that include construction , engineering , and technology .
◾ Reliability : In the face of advancing technologies , a changing climate , and a growing statewide population , the state is prioritizing projects that will stand the test of time and require less frequent maintenance . Minimizing disruption to the public is an important goal .
◾ Safety : From design all the way to construction , all approved projects must promote public safety for both workers and local residents . Fortunately , the ultimate results of many of these infrastructure upgrades , which will result in cleaner water and air , will also improve statewide health outcomes .
◾ Sustainability : New Jersey has made a commitment to 50 % greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 , and 80 % greenhouse gas emissions reduction ( and 100 % clean energy ) by 2050 . Many of the IIJA ’ s planned infrastructure upgrades directly support these goals , including an increase in public transit options , the expansion of our electric vehicle charging network , the elimination of lead service lines , and the delivery of cleaner drinking water .
How the Funds are Allocated
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 .
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 non-road related transportation projects , including those in public mass transit . Other areas of investment include environmental remediation , water , resilience , and clean energy and power . Work is progressing on the long-delayed Gateway Project , which involves the construction of new tunnels under the Hudson River from New Jersey into Manhattan . Communities across New Jersey are also benefiting from numerous “ Safe Streets and Roads for All ” grants , part of a comprehensive framework to reduce injuries and fatalities on the state ’ s public roads .
Overall , I believe the state has done an outstanding job of ensuring that the funds are flowing in the right directions , with work being approved at a record place . Governor Murphy ’ s administration has further hastened our ability to get projects completed by passing the Design- Build Construction Services Procurement Act , which was signed into law in 2021 , with rules published in 2024 under the auspices of the state ’ s Office of Alternative Project Delivery . The Design-build approach allows a single entity to be responsible for both the design and
Gary Dahms , President and CEO , T & M Associates , and NJ Chamber of Commerce chair
construction of a project , in contrast to the traditional design-bid-build method . With one entity responsible for the work from design through completion , a variety of unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles are eliminated .
Construction projects are always challenging to communities ; they can create occasional inconveniences and disruptions for commuters , businesses , and residents . But the extraordinary results will strengthen New Jersey from the ground up and prepare us for a stronger , more resilient future . We look forward to continuing to work closely with our clients and partners throughout the state to make significant progress in 2025 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 , NJ . He also serves as chair of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and previously served as chair of its Transportation Committee .
Photo : T & M Associates
January 2025 COMMERCE 17