$683K In Safe Streets Transit Grants Coming To Cherry Hill: Officials

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill will receive $683,000 in state funding to improve access to public transportation and pedestrian safety when traveling to transit stations.

The township's award comes as part of the state’s $13.4 million Safe Streets to Transit Program aimed at increasing neighbors' safe routes to public transportation.

"Coming at a critical time of rising traffic fatalities and serious injuries across our state this significant increase in funding will help ensure better access to public transit for vulnerable road users and create more walkable and bikeable roads, an essential part of building a safer and more equitable transportation system for New Jersey.” said Debra Kagan, Executive Director of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, in a statement.

Cherry Hill is among several other Camden County municipalities to get grants. Clementon Borough will get $416K and Voorhees Township will get $756K in the Safe Streets to Transit program, the state's announcement shows.

The state’s Local Bikeway Program is set to provide $8.4 million to 17 municipalities to promote bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation, state officials said.

Voorhees Township ($251K) and Gibbsboro Borough ($541K) are both getting funding in the Local Bikeway Program.

The Transit Village Program will provide $2.9 million to revitalize and redevelop areas around transit facilities into mixed-use neighborhoods, the state said.

Click here to read the full list of NJ municipalities receiving grants.

“In order to maximize the impact of our considerable public transportation upgrades, we must ensure that our transit facilities are linked not just to economically thriving neighborhoods, but to streets that bring our community members to their destination reliably and efficiently,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement announcing the funding. “For many New Jerseyans, commutes or daily travels do not begin and end at the train station. That’s why my Administration is doubling down on its efforts to promote active transportation alternatives and ensure that – whether you’re a pedestrian or cyclist – you can safely and affordably access our nation-leading public transportation network.”

The announcement comes as funding for the Local Aid and Economic Development Grants line-item increased by nearly 50% over the last fiscal year.

“The Department of Transportation is proud to support Governor Murphy’s vision to make New Jersey more fair, equitable, and environmentally friendly. We appreciate the Governor and the Legislature providing an additional $20 million this year for Bikeways, Safe Streets to Transit and Transit Village grants,” New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said in a statement.

Patch's Nicole Rosenthal contributed to this report.