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New Jersey Secures $180 Million in Federal Support for Major Infrastructure and Service Improvements
Federal Funding to Boost Maternal Health, Education, and Digital Access Across the State
NEW JERSEY, March 15, 2024 – In a landmark announcement, Governor Phil Murphy revealed today that New Jersey has obtained nearly $180 million in federal funds from the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Project Fund (CPF), earmarked for an array of vital infrastructure initiatives. These projects are aimed at enhancing public health, safety, digital connectivity, and ensuring equitable access to indispensable services.
Governor Murphy expressed his gratitude towards the Biden-Harris Administration and lauded the collaborative effort that led to this achievement, emphasizing the significant, lasting impact these funds will have on communities throughout New Jersey.
“This funding will help strengthen infrastructure and improve access to essential services, and in many instances it will be a game-changer that has a lasting impact on communities across our state,” Governor Murphy stated.
The CPF allocation supports a wide variety of projects. Among them are the establishment of the state’s inaugural Maternal and Infant Health Center in Trenton, a new community school in Union City, expanded broadband and Wi-Fi access, and other critical services designed to meet the diverse needs of New Jersey's residents.
Notably, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will initiate the New Jersey Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Equity program with a $50 million budget, aiming to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas. Meanwhile, NJ TRANSIT plans to leverage $15 million of the funds to offer free high-speed Wi-Fi on public buses, enhancing connectivity for commuters.
The educational landscape in New Jersey is also set for transformation with a $50 million investment in a new Union City Community School. This innovative facility is expected to serve 827 students from grades seven through nine, doubling as a multi-purpose community hub.
A critical step towards advancing maternal and infant health, the construction of the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC) in Trenton, will proceed with a $25 million fund. The MIHIC is a cornerstone of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, aiming to establish New Jersey as a national leader in safe and equitable maternal and infant care.
Further, the State Library’s Building Community Resilience project has been allocated over $30 million to mitigate disparities in access to education, jobs, and health services through capital improvements in community facilities.
In Newark, the North Jersey Community Research Initiative will expand its services for the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQIA+ communities, courtesy of a $6.6 million grant aimed at extending its homeless drop-in center, Crossroads, into a broader community facility.
Additionally, $5 million will be directed towards various projects aimed at narrowing the digital divide, and making technology more accessible to the public at state agencies.
This sweeping federal investment underscores a pivotal moment for New Jersey, marking a significant advance in the state's commitment to fostering a stronger, more resilient, and equitable future for all its residents.
