Pallone Joins Local Officials at Opening of South Amboy Pedestrian Overpass

South Amboy, NJ --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today joined State Assemblyman John Wisniewski, South Amboy Mayor Jack O'Leary and New Jersey TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington at the official opening of a new pedestrian overpass and plaza at the South Amboy Intermodal Transportation Station.

Over the last five years, the New Jersey congressman has secured $4.8 million in federal funds for the construction of the overpass and plaza in an effort to improve both safety and security at the South Amboy station. To date, Pallone has secured more than $24 million for the entire project. The initial funding for this project was included in the Transportation Equity Act For The 21st Century ( "TEA-21"), a transportation authorization bill passed in 1997. The congressman has also been successful in securing additional funds in several annual appropriations bills.

"The transportation hub here at South Amboy has dramatically relieved congestion in Central Jersey, and now, with the addition of both the overpass and the plaza, the station is safer and more convenient for area residents," Pallone said.

Pallone also announced that he's secured $8 million in federal funds for the South Amboy Intermodal Transportation Station to improve access, increase safety and enhance passenger accommodations at the facility. The funds complete the second of two project phases that calls for the construction of an elevated platform, the addition of handicapped accessibility, and the facilitation of overall safety upgrades to the station. When completed, the facility will link several major regional routes and modes of transportation at one central point of transfer within South Amboy. As New Jerseys only combined rail, bus, ferry, auto and pedestrian intermodal transportation center, South Amboy serves as a national model.

"The funds approved yesterday in Washington will allow us to complete the second phase of this project, which includes several safety and accessibility improvements here at the station," Pallone said. "I'm hopeful the Senate will take up this transportation legislation within the next month so we can proceed with the final phase soon," Pallone said.

The funds were included in the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users ("TEA-LU"), a $285 billion six-year transportation reauthorization bill that was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday. The Senate is expected to debate the legislation soon. The funds would be made available to South Amboy over six years.