State Unveils $3.3B Infrastructure Plan

"It will significantly enhance the safety, reliability and economic power of our roadway network," New Jersey DOT commissioner Kris Kolluri said in unveiling the program. "This capital program illustrates the Transportation Trust Fund's ability to improve the quality of life for New Jersey residents."

Of the $3.3 billion, nearly $1.3 billion will be spent on New Jersey Transit projects, according to Kolluri, who besides serving as the state's DOT commissioner is chairman of NJ Transit. The money will go toward early funding for the proposed trans-Hudson tunnel, for new trains and buses and for train station improvements.

Another $400 million will be funneled down to the state's cities, towns and counties for local infrastructure repairs and improvements. Approximately $125 million will be used in FY 2008, which begins July 1, for bridge and related roadway improvements and upgrades.

New Jersey will also spend $50 million for infrastructure projects within the so-called Liberty Corridor, a region of Northern and Central New Jersey in which the state is encouraging port- and W/D-related development, including brownfield redevelopment. Another $35 million will be used for similar projects in the Meadowlands submarket and $13 million will be spent on infrastructure projects related to the redevelopment effort in Camden.