WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Menendez voted to finalize $19,855,535 in Community Project Funding that he previously secured for New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District in the 2024 spending bills. This funding responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in our district.
“I am honored to have been able to secure almost $20 million in Community Project Funding for projects across our cities and towns ranging from replacing lead pipes to improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure to supporting workforce development programs that will benefit many of our constituents,” said Congressman Menendez. “Our team and I worked relentlessly to secure this funding for our communities, and we succeeded. I look forward to continuing to work with our municipalities and non-profit partners to support these critical projects.”
Congressman Menendez championed funding for 14 projects that will directly benefit residents of New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District. These include:
$2,380,000 for North Bergen’s Liberty Avenue Sewer and Drainage Improvements Project
This funding will be used to increase the capacity of the sanitary sewer system in North Bergen to mitigate sewer system overflow and improve water quality.
$959,752 for Elizabeth’s Lead Service Line Replacement Project
This funding will be used to improve water infrastructure by replacing lead service lines, safeguarding public health and improving water quality within the community.
$959,752 for Hoboken’s Water Metering Improvements Project
This funding will be used to replace outdated water meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure, allowing for more accurate readings, improving leak detection, and conserving both water and taxpayer dollars.
$959,752 for Guttenberg’s Combined Sewer Overflow Pipe Improvement Project
The funding will be used to improve stormwater management systems and address overflow and flooding issues that cause serious environmental and public health issues within the community.
$1,030,000 for Bayonne’s Public Safety Technology and Equipment Project
This funding will be used to purchase, install, and operate technology and equipment for the Bayonne Police Department, improving communications and streamlining management of major incidents, emergencies, and disasters.
$900,000 for the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Extreme Event Coastal Preparedness and Response System Project
This funding will be used to develop a coastal extreme event observation system to inform future emergency management planning and emergency response during storms in our district and across the country.
$200,000 for Harrison’s Water Infrastructure Project
This funding will be used to rebuild catch basins, replace manholes, and replace a section of a water pipeline in critical areas of the Town of Harrison, improving the drainage system and preventing flooding and water damage.
$850,000 for the Elizabeth Development Company’s Youth Campus Expansion Project
This funding will be used to renovate two buildings used for youth-oriented programs and construct one new building, improving ADA-accessibility and providing space for classes and other programs.
$5,000,000 for the Newark Jersey City Turnpike Reconstruction Project
This funding will be used for road reconstruction to improve road conditions, pedestrian accessibility, safety, and flood mitigation.
$500,000 for East Newark’s Recreation Center Upgrades and Expansion
The funding will support upgrades and expansion of the East Newark Recreation Center to provide more community space, improve ADA accessibility, and install solar panels to power the building through clean energy.
$500,000 for Union County’s Jefferson Avenue Corridor Traffic and Safety Improvement Project
This funding will be used to replace traffic signals and make other roadway improvements along Jefferson Avenue in Elizabeth to manage traffic flow and increase safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.
$1,616,279 for the Urban League of Union County’s Workforce Project
This funding will be used to acquire and construct a facility for workforce development programs for underserved communities, including low-income individuals and returning citizens in Union County.
$2,000,000 for West New York’s River Road Overpass Project
This funding will be used for an overpass that would provide pedestrians and bicyclists safe and ADA-compliant access to West New York and the Hudson River waterfront.
$2,000,000 for Weehawken’s Community Walkway Improvements Project
The funding will be used to construct and expand sidewalks in Weehawken, making it easier and safer for residents, commuters, and visitors to travel along essential pedestrian walkways and vehicular arteries.
These final bipartisan 2024 funding bills will help keep our communities safe, fight inflation, and boost our economy. Taken together, the funding for New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District and the funding increases for critical government programs will continue to make every day life more affordable, grow our local economy, and support our communities.
This legislation is expected to be signed into law by President Biden later this week. A detailed summary of the bill is available here.
