$44M Upgrade For Busy Roadway Between Port Newark, Elizabeth

NEWARK, NJ — About a third of all containers on the east coast of North America come through Port New York and New Jersey. But traffic isn’t just confined to the waters near Port Newark and the Elizabeth Port Authority Marine Terminal (EPAMT) – it’s also on land.

On Monday, federal officials released details about a $44 million construction project that will “modernize” a busy roadway connecting Port Newark and the EPAMT. It’s a win-win deal for businesses that depend on the ports and residents who live in the area, supporters said (see video below).

Funding is coming from the U.S. Department of Transportation, via an Infrastructure For Rebuilding America grant.

According to a statement from U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, the Port Street Corridor Improvement project is expected to create safer entranceways to the port complex, reduce traffic congestion, create jobs and boost the local economy.

Menendez said:

“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will use this funding to make significant upgrades along Port Street, the main northern roadway access point for Port Newark and EPAMT. The project also includes improvements to the Corbin Street ramp, the main point of access to Port Street, which sees approximately 3,600 vehicles an hour, 40 percent of which are trucks, during peak times. Once complete, it’s estimated that the project would eliminate over 700,000 hours of travel times for cars and trucks accessing the port complex — significantly improving the flow of goods in and out and decreasing harmful air pollution — and accidents would be reduced by 37 percent.”

The project is expected to create an additional 260 direct jobs, $25 million in direct wages and $171 million in regional economic activity.

It also has benefits for the people who live in the area, Menendez said. According to a statement from the senator:

“The Port Street Corridor Improvement project will ultimately lower fuel consumption, reduce pollution and improve air quality, health and safety for residents in neighboring communities. Newark’s nearby Ironbound and South Ward neighborhoods have disproportionately high rates of asthma and related respiratory diseases. The improvements to the port’s roadways will have significant health benefits to the families and children living in the area.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka also said the federal funds will be put to work for local residents.

“As our nation, our state, our county, and our city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic that plagued us for the last 17 months, investments like this one will help our city’s economic vitality and recovery efforts,” Baraka said.

“The Port of New York and New Jersey is the gateway to one of the most concentrated consumer markets in North America and the largest port on the East Coast,” Baraka added. “Our ability to get goods into the hands of consumers quickly gives us our competitive edge. So, any investment – including this INRFA grant – will enhance our port operations, bring jobs to our Newark residents, and advance our economic recovery efforts.”

• See related article: Newark Starts Planning For Future Of Port-Industrial District

Menendez and New Jersey’s other U.S. senator, Cory Booker, offered hearty praise for the project alongside officials from the Port Authority and New Jersey Department of Transportation.

“This project is good for the port, good for the planet, and good for the people,” Menendez said. “It doesn’t get better than that.”

Booker said the federal grant dollars will help the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey increase efficiency, enhance the movement of goods, and improve air quality at the largest port on the East Coast.

“As the Port of New York and New Jersey continues to thrive as an economic engine for our region and our country, we must ensure that federal resources are dedicated to supporting that growth and improving the quality of life for nearby residents and communities,” Booker said.

“This grant award demonstrates that when we choose to invest in improving our nation’s infrastructure, we invest in our workforce, in our economy and in our country’s competitiveness,” Booker added.

Other support for the project came from:

U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), member of the House Appropriations Committee – “I’m excited for the opportunity this project presents New Jersey, the region and our entire nation’s economy. This project will improve safety and efficiency in what is the largest port complex on the East Coast. Our country has put off infrastructure improvements for far too long. Necessary work like this project will help secure our economic future while easing the environmental impact of the port’s activity. I look forward to this project getting underway and thank the Port Authority for their commitment to intentional access and opportunities for minority, women, disabled and veteran owned businesses and workers.”

U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-8) – “Port Newark is critical to the economy of the region. This grant funding is an important investment in modernizing the port and its surrounding infrastructure for the 21st century. I want to thank the Biden administration for recognizing the importance of Port Newark and working with us to get this done.”

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10) – “This grant will continue to improve Port Newark and increase the economic activity of the entire community. In Congress, we are working to make sure we modernize and upgrade all our ports nationwide. President Biden has shown great leadership in his support of these upgrades. I know that an improved Port Newark will lead to more jobs and economic prosperity for families throughout my 10th Congressional District.”

Kevin O’Toole, chair of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – “This important national investment in our roadway infrastructure has a broad impact far beyond the port, as millions of consumers and thousands of livelihoods depend on the safety and efficiency of its operations. Shoring up the roads that lead to and from Port Newark ensures that critical supplies, goods and commerce can keep moving throughout the region.”

Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – “This INFRA grant advances the Port Authority’s commitment to modernizing legacy infrastructure while making our facilities safer and more efficient as we keep the region moving. We thank the Biden administration’s recognition of our seaport’s critical role in the national and regional supply chain with an investment in our port roadway infrastructure that will yield safer and more efficient access to Port Newark and Newark Airport.”

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