NJDOT presents $900,000 in Transportation
Enhancement Grants to Gibbsboro and Berlin
(Gibbsboro)
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner
Jack Lettiere, Assemblyman Louis Greenwald, and a representative
from U.S. Senator Jon Corzine's office today presented representatives
of the Borough of Gibbsboro and the Township of Berlin with Transportation
Enhancement Grants totaling $900,000.
The grant program,
which is federally funded and administered by the State, provides
dollars for non-traditional transportation projects such as streetscape
improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, landscaping and
beautification projects. Gibbsboro will receive $500,000
and Berlin Township will receive $400,000 through this year's
program.
"Governor
McGreevey has made it clear that helping our municipalities enhance
residents' quality of life, while relieving their property tax
burden, is a top priority of this administration," said Lettiere.
"These grants are designed to foster more livable communities,
preserve and protect environmental and cultural resources and
promote other modes of transportation."
"Improving
the aesthetic look of downtown areas is vital to spurring further
economic growth in our communities," added Assemblyman Greenwald.
"By attracting more businesses and improving pedestrian access
in and around their historic districts and business hubs, Gibbsboro
and Berlin Township are utilizing their strengths to build a brighter
future for their communities."
"I am
proud to be a part of securing funds for Gibbsboro. The
improvement along Haddonfield- Berlin road will provide the central
business district with a gateway that welcomes visitors and residents
alike," noted U.S. Senator Jon Corzine. "This grant is
an example of what can be accomplished when federal, state and
local governments work together."
"One of the goals
of this program is to provide local governments with funds for
projects that will inspire people to leave the car keys on the
dresser and take advantage of other forms of transportation,"
Said Senator Lautenberg. "Examples of this are found here
in the Borough of Gibbsboro and Berlin Township. We are
providing funding for a variety of different things here including
sidewalks, bus stop shelters, and bicycle lockers."
The Borough
of Gibbsboro will use the funds for Gateway Enhancements along
both sides of Haddonfield-Berlin Road and Clementon Road.
The project will include installation of distinctive brick and
iron gateway structures at each of the Borough's entrances, sidewalks
with handicap accessibility, Victorian style lighting and benches,
and streetscape improvements to the newly refurbished Lucas Park
area. The improvements will highlight Gibbsboro's commercial
district and significantly increase pedestrian safety.
The Township
of Berlin will use the funds for a Pedestrian, Bicycle and Bus
Transportation Enhancement Program in the central business district
along Haddon Avenue. Several aspects of the program include
developing a functional streetscape in the downtown area, replacing
deteriorating sidewalks with Village Square/Brickstone and concrete
pavers, new bus shelters for the NJTRANSIT bus route, new lighting
and landscaping. The improvements will attract residents and visitors
to the central business district, promote the use of bus service,
and encourage bike and pedestrian traffic.
The Transportation
Enhancement Program has been a successful partnership between
federal, state and local governments, and emphasizes the vital
role of Governor McGreevey's smart growth initiatives.
In fiscal year 2004, NJDOT is dispersing over $11.5 million in
Transportation Enhancement Grants.
