Pallone Joins Governor Murphy to Announce Major Federal Investment in State Transportation Projects

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) joined Governor Murphy at a press conference to announce that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has granted New Jersey the flexibility to use $425 million in federal funding to improve transit infrastructure and create jobs, including $315 million for NJ TRANSIT and $110 million for federal transportation projects.

Flexibility in the use of federal highway and transit funds will allow New Jersey the ability to fund and complete upgrades to aging infrastructure like the Long Branch Train Station. In February, Pallone announced that he secured a grant of $13.2 million from the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) for construction of a pedestrian tunnel and other improvements to the Long Branch Train Station. With this flexibility in funding, New Jersey will be able to use an additional $7.9 million of federal funds to complete the project. The tunnel will connect the east and west sides of the city that are currently bisected by the rail corridor. It will also provide safe and convenient access to each platform. Currently, many riders are forced to walk across the train tracks, putting their safety at risk. Pallone worked closely with state, local, and federal partners to successfully secure the grant for Long Branch.

Other improvements to the station will include reconstruction of the commuter parking lot to bring buses, trolleys, taxis, ride share services and electric car charging stations, construction of a heated pedestrian overhang for bus service, and landscape improvements. The Long Branch station is an important hub at the Jersey Shore giving commuters easy access to Monmouth University and Monmouth Medical Center across the street.  

“I’m proud to stand here today with Governor Murphy to say that federal funding is coming to New Jersey to bolster our transit system and expedite transportation projects across the state. New Jerseyans rely on our transportation infrastructure in their lives, and this funding will ensure critical projects can move forward,” Pallone said. “Federal funding I secured to construct a pedestrian tunnel at the Long Branch station will boost economic opportunity in our city by finally re-connecting the east and west sides of the city surrounding the station, giving residents and commuters equitable access to businesses and making the city more accessible and safer for families who rely on public transit.”

“The support we have garnered from the federal government demonstrates our collective commitment to enhance the vital transportation services upon which our communities depend,” said Governor Murphy.  “I thank our congressional delegation for their persistent work in Washington to bring crucial federal dollars to our state, as well as Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti and her team for their continued efforts to provide funding for critical transportation projects. The Long Branch Station Pedestrian Tunnel Project is a quintessential example of how my Administration is working to build a nation-leading transportation network that is not only more modern and efficient, but more accessible for all New Jerseyans.”

“NJ TRANSIT is grateful to Congressman Pallone, and the entire New Jersey Congressional Delegation, for their continued advocacy for public transit in New Jersey,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Murphy and Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti, this additional $315 million dollars for 15 important NJ TRANSIT infrastructure projects will accelerate delivery of projects vital to enhancing accessibility and connectivity for New Jersey residents across the state.”

"I want to thank Governor Murphy for coming to Long Branch to make this federal funding announcement, and for everything he has done for our city, and projects throughout the state,” said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. “With the funding opportunities that Governor Murphy, Commissioner Gutierrez-Scacetti, Congressman Pallone, and Senator Gopal have all fought for on our behalf, our vision is becoming a reality."

Originally built in 1875, Long Branch Station has the 5th highest ridership of the 20 stations that make up the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL), with over 1,000 average weekday boardings according to data from 2019. A concrete barrier blocks convenient access to the eastbound and westbound platforms of train station as well as stores, restaurants, and medical care facilities located on opposite sides of the train tracks.

The $13.2 million federal grant secured by Congressman Pallone will be funded through DOT’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This new program supports infrastructure projects that reconnect communities unable to access economic opportunities as a result of transportation infrastructure.