Department of Transportation proposing to readopt rules on Local Aid to Counties
(Trenton) The New Jersey Department of Transportation is proposing to readopt with amendment N.J.A.C. 16:20A, the rules governing the Department’s regulations on Local Aid to Counties. The rule establishes guidelines and procedures to be followed by counties in order to receive State aid for transportation projects as disbursed through the Department’s Local Aid Program. Some of the amendments to these rules include allowing counties to submit a pool of projects in their Annual Transportation Plan which affords them more flexibility in advancing projects to construction with Local Aid funds; requiring the counties to submit an annual report showing progress in spending their annual allotments and if the counties do not show progress in drawing down the local aid funds, restricting payment of funds to the counties on a project by project basis, rather than on an allotment basis. As a package, the changes to these rules should provide the counties with needed flexibility in administering projects funded through the Local Aid program, while ensuring that these funds are promptly utilized for needed transportation improvements.
The proposed rule appears in the June 5, 2006 issue of the New Jersey Register. The public has until August 4, 2006 to comment on the proposal. Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must provide their comments in writing to Miriam Crum, Administrative Practice Officer, NJ Department of Transportation, PO Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600. Fax: (609) 530-3841. Comments must be postmarked or sent by telefacsimile on or before August 4, 2006 which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.
Comments submitted to the Department on the proposed rulemaking are public records and are available for public inspection by prior appointment during normal Department business hours.
