Streets and signs in Union City and West New York will get facelifts in the near future thanks to state funding that has been secured by local officials.
State Senate Democratic Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny, Jr. (D-Hoboken), Assembly Speaker and West New York Mayor Albio Sires (D-33rd Dist.) and Assemblyman Rafael Fraguela (D-33rd Dist.) announced last week that more than $1.3 million in transportation grants will fund resurfacing and traffic signal projects in Guttenberg, Hoboken, Union City, Weehawken and West New York. The funding comes from Municipal Aid Grants that are part of the 2003 fiscal year Transportation Trust Fund.
According to Lynne Richmond, spokesperson for the state assembly, the funding is based on a formula used by the county engineers that takes into account municipal road mileage within the county and county population. Richmond added that there are “a variety of things that could go into a decision.”
In total, the New Jersey Department of Transportation Municipal Aid Program allotted $67.5 million this year, to which all 566 New Jersey counties could apply. Approximately $60 million of the money is appropriated for counties, and $5 million is set aside for “municipalities that qualify for Urban Aid under N.J.S.A. 52:2-178 et. seq.” These towns include Union City and West New York.
Said Sen. Kenny, “I am pleased to see that the 2003 Transportation Trust Fund grants for the 33rd district will be used to resurface a number of roads and improve the flow of traffic in Hoboken, Union City and other areas of Hudson County.”
$395,000 has been set aside for West New York to improve their traffic signals on Bergenline Avenue. According to West New York Mayor Albio Sires, “All the traffic lights between 49th Street and 67th Street have to be upgraded. Currently the lights are on the sides of the street and this new project will have the lights hanging over the roadway. ‘Walk/Don’t Walk’ signs will also be added at these intersections. The controllers for the lights will also be replaced as they are pretty ancient.”
Sires also said in a press release, “These grants will provide for much-needed road improvements in the 33rd District. The funding will enable these towns to pursue transportation needs without increasing the burden on local property taxes.”
Union City has two projects in the works, all involving road resurfacing.
$101,000 has been earmarked to repave 19th Street between Mountain and Palisade Avenues, and $56,000 has been set aside to resurface Third Street between Manhattan and Palisade avenues. According to Union City Mayor Brian Stack, “We haven’t gotten specific contractors yet. We still have to put out bids. This project won’t get underway until next year, when it gets warm.”
Stack added that the plan also calls for the sidewalks to be redone in that area as well.
According to the NJDOT, “projects may be improvements to public roads and bridges under municipal jurisdiction.” Also, the results of applications are “presented to a Screening Committee comprised of municipal engineers and the staff of the Division of Local Aid. The committee evaluates the projects and makes recommendations to the commissioner for approval.”
Stated Assemblyman Fraguela, “These projects will help preserve our existing transportation system, making the roads safer for our citizens. The funding demonstrates a successful partnership that exists between local and state government.”