"Through this program, we will strengthen the transportationnetwork that is critical to our long-term economic viability andour quality of life," said Gov. Jon Corzine, who with Kolluriunveiled the program. "It's also a real statement on our commitmentto mass transit. We're always looking to make sure we improve thesystem we have."

Pending legislative approval, a total of $1.3 billion is slatedfor NJ Transit projects, including 15 rail station improvementprojects, hundreds of new rail cars and "convenient new servicesfor commuters," according to Corzine. And rather than adding roadcapacity, the $1.9 billion going to NJ DOT projects are part ofwhat state officials call that agency's "congestion relief plan."Among the projects are a total of 125 bottleneck relief projectsrelating to roadway planning and design. Approximately $150 millionis going to resurfacing projects, and the plan also calls forcreating more than 4,500 parking spaces for commuters.

The program, pending legislative approval, will be funded 50-50with state and federal money. The state's share of $1.6 billion isan increase of FY 2006's $1.2 billion in capital spending fortransportation.