Pallone Secures $2 Million for Sandy Hook Transportation Projects

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today secured $2 million in federal funds for the U.S. National Park Service to construct a ferry terminal and pier at Sandy Hook and to continue construction on the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path.

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 today. The bill now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.

Pallone secured $1 million in funds for the construction of a floating and fixed pier and ferry terminal at Sandy Hook.

When completed, the ferry will connect Sandy Hook to lower Manhattan and other NY/NJ ferry terminals. The Sandy Hook ferry will service the 2.5 million annual recreational visitors to the park.

"The ferry will provide critical congestion relief to shore area residents, reducing the number of cars at the park and the pollution they produce," the New Jersey Congressman said. "The ferry will provide an easy alternative to get to the park without the worries of traffic and parking."

Pallone secured $1 million to continue construction on the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path.

The funds will allow the park to complete phase two of the project that includes a 2.1-mile loop in the northern part of the park, beginning at the Fort Hancock ferry landing where the existing section now terminates. The New Jersey congressman was instrumental in securing the $1.8 million dollars in federal funding used to complete phase one of construction, which opened for public use last October.

"Public reaction to the opening of the first phase of the Multi-Use Path has been incredibly positive," Pallone said. "These funds will allow us to expand the path so more area families can safely enjoy Sandy Hook by bike or by foot."