Department of Transportation
proposes to readopt rules on rail freight program

The Rail Freight Assistance Program oversees and financially assists in the acquisition and improvement of New Jersey rail freight facilities. The program seeks to insure the continuation of safe, adequate and efficient rail freight services and promote new business development. For the current fiscal year, $10 million is available ($8 million - State appropriation and $2 million - federal CMAQ funds). Eligible projects receive grants up to a specified maximum percentage of the total project cost, with the remaining local share to be provided by the project sponsor.

Substantive amendments to N.J.A.C. 16:53C are being proposed to expand the scope of eligible projects to include rail bridge rehabilitation and demonstration projects. Due to a lack of demand and the Department's policy of encouraging a modal shift from truck to rail, substitute rail service assistance will be eliminated. Technical amendments to improve clarity and to reflect current NJDOT organizational structure are also being proposed.

The proposal appears in the May 5, 2003 issue of the New Jersey Register. The public has until July 4, 2003 to comment on the proposal. Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must provide their comments in writing to Patricia K. Snyder, Acting Administrative Practice Officer, NJ Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, P O Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600, Fax: (609) 530-3841. Comments must be postmarked or sent by telefacsimile on or before July 4, 2003, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.