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February 9, 2015
Trenton, NJ

Municipal Leader Joins Forward NJ to Press for Action on Transportation Funding

Today in Trenton, the New Jersey League of Municipalities joined key members of the Forward NJ Coalition to support efforts to replenish the State’s vital Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) and to increase funding for local roads and bridges. Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Prieto have proposed a significant increase in TTF Local Aid funding - from the current level of about $190 million, per year, up to $400,000.

League Executive Director, Bill Dressel, speaking on behalf of all New Jersey Mayors, noted, “…we need to fund our transportation infrastructure and we need to do it quickly. Our focus is on the local level and we truly appreciate efforts to double the Local Aid TTF funding. … Local officials know that investments in these assets (local roads and bridges) must be made. Failure to do so can compromise the safety of the public, the economic vitality of our communities and the security of our neighborhoods.”

Citing statistics showing that New Jersey's municipalities are responsible for 64% (28,539 center line road miles) of our roads, that County governments are responsible for another 22% (6,649 center line road miles), and that, together, local governments are responsible for 39% of our bridges, Mr. Dressel said, “… it’s clear that we at the local level bear the brunt of dealing with our state’s crumbling infrastructure. We have not, however, received the funding we need to make the necessary improvements without impacting property taxpayers.”

“But today, we need to focus on the initial challenge. The Transportation Trust Fund needs to be replenished, so that it can provide adequate and reliable capital to meet State and local needs, now and in the future. For that reason, the League of Municipalities has joined the “Forward New Jersey” coalition. We are anxious to assist any and all efforts to revitalize the Transportation Trust Fund.”

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For further information contact: William G. Dressel, Jr., Executive Director
at 609-695-3481, extension 122 or 609-915-9072