Draft Resolution for Municipalities

Supports Renewal of the New Jersey Transportation
Trust Fund and Increased Dedication for Local Aid

WHEREAS, on June 30, 2006 the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund will have no capital funding available to provide local aid for transportation projects because all incoming revenue will be used for debt service payments; and

WHEREAS, local governments have received approximately $2.0 billion from the Transportation Trust Fund and approximately $300 million in bridge bond funds; and $275 million in federal local road funds; and

WHEREAS, local roadways and bridges carry 55% of the traffic on country, municipal and state highways; and local governments maintain 32,810 centerline miles of roads, 2,498 major bridges and 4,584 minor bridges; and

WHEREAS, a review of annual local transportation needs indicates $211 million for county bridges, $7.5 million for municipal bridges, $44 million for county roadways and $112 million for municipal roadways for a total of $374.5 million; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that local governments receive a stable, dependable and long-term source of funding to actively maintain the State’s roadways and bridges; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of local governments to work in collaboration with the Governor of the State of New Jersey, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the New Jersey State Legislature to quantify the State’s transportation needs and pursue the appropriate methods of funding:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that (name of municipality____________________) hereby calls upon the Governor and the State Legislature to provide for a stable, dependable and long-term source of funding to support the renewal of the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund and an increase in the amount dedicated to local aid.”

AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Governor of the State of New Jersey, the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation and members of the State Legislature and the New Jersey League of Municipalities.