What is the breakdown in funding for New Jersey and how will projects be selected for funding?What is the breakdown in funding for New Jersey and how will projects be selected for funding?
The distribution and breakdown of funding within New Jersey is governed by the language of the ARRA. Many of the rules that will determine the exact details of funding are still being developed within the federal government. However, here is an estimate as we understand ARRA now: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants New Jersey’s share of this is estimated to be approximately $73 million. An amount currently estimated at $54 million will go to the larger municipalities and counties directly. Of the remainder, some funds will go to certain smaller counties and municipalities through the State, and the State will receive a portion for its direct use. State Energy Programs New Jersey will receive approximately $90 million in State Energy Program funding. Electricity delivery and energy reliability New Jersey may be able to take advantage of federal matching funds in this area.
The distribution and breakdown of funding within New Jersey is governed by the language of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Of the $650 million in highway and bridge funding, approximately $469 million is dedicated to state highway and bridge projects selected by New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). NJDOT selected these projects based on regional balance as well as each project’s readiness to start construction, design or right-of-way acquisition. Approximately $162 million was suballocated for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) designated urban areas. Each of the State’s three Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) selected projects for use of the suballocated funds. Projects may be located on the state, county or municipal system, provided that they are on the federal-aid system. Each MPO selected projects for funding based on its own prioritization process, but readiness for advancement played a major part in MPO project selection. The three Metropolit
