Draft Fiscal Year 2001 Capital
Program Submitted to Legislature

AThe capital program we are proposing today meets the growing demands of New Jersey drivers, and makes good use of all federal dollars available to us,@ Governor Christie Whitman said. AThis program represents funding for improvements around the state and in all modes of transportation. From state highway needs and safety improvements, to pedestrian and bicycle projects, New Jersey remains on the move.

AWe are fortunate that the state=s robust economy has allowed us to extend state funding for transportation projects without an increase in state taxes,@ the Governor said. AOur goal, however, must be to renew the Trust Fund in order to continue to build upon the achievements of this and past capital programs.@

ANew Jersey is perhaps the most transportation dependent state in the nation, so it is fitting that under Governor Whitman=s leadership, we continue to make great strides in building the diverse transportation system the state needs now and in the future,@ Commissioner Weinstein said.

AThis capital program means a total of $2.44 billion in state and federal funding for highways bridges, rail and bus improvements, local transportation needs, airports, goods movement, bicycle and pedestrian projects, transportation enhancements, and transportation and economic development projects,@ the Commissioner said.

Trust Fund monies in the program amount to $880 million, which includes, consistent with past practice, $50 million in over programming in NJ TRANSIT projects to increase flexibility. There is no over programming in the NJDOT project list.

The program also includes $295 million in proposed appropriations from the Statewide Transportation and Local Bridge Bond Act of 1999: $125 million for local bridges and $170 million for state projects.

Federal funds are assumed at a total level of $1.183 billion, including $770 million from the Federal Highway Administration, $404 million from the Federal Transit Administration, and $9 million from the Federal Aviation Administration.

AThis program is the product of extensive deliberations and outreach with the state=s three metropolitan planning organizations,@ Commissioner Weinstein said. AThe early agreements that were reached on the program improve New Jersey=s ability to draw down all available federal funding in a timely manner. This program also advances the strategic and long range goals in Governor Whitman=s New Jersey First initiative.

Bridge and highway highlights include: $481 million is targeted for bridge needs; a new Emergency Orphan Bridge Repairs program; pilot projects for historic bridge preservation; increased funding for movable bridges repairs; a pilot program for full preventative maintenance for state highway bridges; and a 30% increase in the state highway resurfacing program.

The FY 2001 Capital Program allows NJ TRANSIT to continue its efforts to improve safety, convenience and accessibility for its customers. NJ TRANSIT will also continue to invest in expanding bus and rail parking projects in key strategic areas to reduce congestion and improve the efficiency of the existing transit system. Highlights include:

-- Annual track rehabilitation to maintain a state of good repair.

-- Funding for rehabilitation of the north tube of the Bergen Tunnel.

-- Rehabilitation and revitalization of selected rail stations.

-- Funding for signal improvements to install Automatic Train Control and Positive Train Stop.

-- Installation of a new Train Management and Control system to manage all train operations with a state-of-the-art integrated control system.