FTA 22-04
Contact: Melissa Sabatine
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Email: Melissa.Sabatine@fta.dot.gov

U.S. Department of Transportation Supports Transit Projects in Newark and Trenton

New Jersey residents will benefit from improved light rail service and an improved Trenton Intermodal Station as a result of two grants totaling $31.1 million announced today by the Federal Transit Administration.

“The Bush Administration knows how important good public transportation investments are to making cities work and keeping the economy moving,” said FTA Administrator, Jennifer L. Dorn. “Today we do our part by investing in transit projects that make commuting more efficient and convenient.”

New Jersey Transit Corporation will use $22.2 million in federal funding for the first segment of the Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link project, a one-mile extension to the existing 4.3-mile Newark City Subway system. The new link will connect Newark Penn Station and the Broad Street Station, bridging Newark’s downtown and residential districts. The link will also have five new stations, including one located at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, providing residents, students and commuters with direct rail access to businesses, as well as cultural and academic institutions in the downtown area.

New Jersey Transit Corporation will use an $8.9 million grant for renovations to the Trenton Intermodal Station in central New Jersey. The station provides residents and commuters with rail access and bus service for both local and inter-city destinations. The funds will be used to support project administration, utilities relocation, construction and construction management services.