Towns get NJDOT aid, Netcong designated ‘transit village'

Sussex County - State Senator Robert E. Littell and Assemblywoman Alison L. McHose, both (R-24), announced that the N.J. Department of Transportation has approved the allocation of municipal aid grants totaling $1,977,000 from the fiscal year 2006 Transportation Trust Fund to 15 municipalities in the 24th legislative district. The municipalities receiving funding are: Byram/Amity Road Phase III - $135,000 Chester/State Park Road Section I - $150,000 Franklin/Scott Rd. Slope Stabilization - $140,000 Hamburg/Lawrence St. - $140,000 Hampton/Mary Jones Road Section I - $140,000 Hardyston/Silver Grove Road Improve ments - $135,000 Hopatcong/2005 Road Resurfacing - $140,000 Mt. Olive/Pleasant Hill Rd. Phase II - $109,000 Newton/East Clinton St. - $90,000 Sparta/Wilson Drive - $135,000 Stillwater/Mt. Benevolence Road Phase I - $143,000 Tewksbury/Califon-CokesburyRd. - $90,000 Vernon/Lounsberry Hollow Road Phase I - $140,000 Wantage/Blair Rd. Section II - $140,000 Washington/Flocktown Rd. - $150,000 Total $ 1,977,000 Municipal aid funding is based on a formula that takes into account population and road mileage. In addition, municipal projects are selected for funding on a competitive basis by a panel of engineers, who evaluate the condition of the roadway, the amount of traffic it carries, and the role the road plays in the surrounding transportation network. “Funding of these projects helps preserve the existing transportation system and contributes to the social and economic well being of our area,” said Sen. Littell. “I am very pleased that our communities and citizens will benefit from these awards.” Sen. Littell said he has also been advised by Jack Lettierc, NJDOT commissioner, that Netcong has been approved to receive designation as a “transit village.” This will give the borough the ability to move forward with plans for mixed use, high density development and redevelopment on the underutilized and vacant acreage around the train station, creating a model center with housing, retail, schools and houses of worship -— all within walking distance of mass transportation. Netcong will also become eligible to receive state grants earmarked specifically for transit villages.