Whitman Launches Transit Village Program
Governor Christie Whitman and Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein today announced the start of a new community and public transit effort called the Transit Village Program.
"In keeping with my New Jersey First Vision, this program will create development and investment centered around passenger rail stations," the Governor said. "In effect, we are returning these stations to their historical role: a place where growth, recreation, opportunity and access became one. I am pleased that this program will also enhance investment in our urban areas and promote community leadership."
"The Transit Village program will help communities leverage more private-sector investment," the Commissioner said. "It also helps to promote public transit, growth, and partnerships with the private sector. Communities are the bedrock of our state, and promoting programs that center on our communities must always remain our priority."
Five communities have already started discussion on implementing this initiative: Morristown, Pleasantville, Rutherford, South Amboy, and South Orange. Through partnering with other state agencies, NJDOT and NJ TRANSIT will assist in identifying technical assistance and resources to help communities implement the initiative. Additionally, with the establishment of the Transit Villages, these communities will be given priority consideration for funding from NJDOT’s Local Aid for Centers program, the Transportation Enhancements program , and Bicycle and Pedestrian projects.
The following agencies will work in conjunction with NJDOT and NJ TRANSIT on the initiative: the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the Department of Community Affairs, the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority, and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.
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