Andrzejczak, Land, Milam Renew Call for Increased Infrastructure Spending in South Jersey

CAPE MAY – In recognition of Infrastructure Week 2019, Sen. Robert “Bob” Andrzejczak, Assemblyman Bruce Land, and Assemblyman Matt Milam (all D-1st) in a release called for an increase in infrastructure projects for South Jersey, specifically for critical bridge repairs, transit funding, crucial dredging, and the next steps in the completion of NJ-Rt. 55.
With recent increases in funding for the Transportation Trust Fund, the legislators called for some of those funds to be expended on projects vital to not just economic growth, but public safety, in South Jersey.
“As legislators, we are uniquely positioned to make a difference in how the State focuses its’ resources,” stated Andrzejczak. “Progress has been made, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We will not stop fighting for South Jersey.”
At a recent Senate Budget hearing with the Department of Transportation, Andrzejczak confronted the Commissioner regarding the completion of the Route 55 project and other infrastructure projects.
Over 100 motorists have lost their lives on routes 47 and 347 in Cumberland and Cape May counties since 2000.
“The vast majority of those motorists would not have been on those dangerous roads if Rt. 55 had been completed like it was supposed to. I will not stop fighting to have this project completed,” stated Andrzejczak.
The completion of Rt. 55 also serves as an important step in the coastal evacuation plan for South Jersey.
“Not only are routes 47 and 347 two of the most dangerous roads in New Jersey, they also serve as one of only two evacuation routes out of Cape May County,” stated Land. “If Cape May County got hit with a Category 3 hurricane, those roads will be entirely washed out, leaving only the Garden State Parkway as a viable route to get out of harm’s way.”
“I owned a trucking company for years, and I have seen firsthand how critical many of our roads and bridges are,” added Milam. “If we are going to pay more for gas, then we should also be seeing more road and bridge repairs.” According to a recent report by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, New Jersey has almost 550 structurally deficient bridges.
In addition to the expansion of Rt. 55 and bridge and road repairs, the legislators are pushing for expanded dredging in the coastal waterways.
The waterways in New Jersey are woefully unmaintained, and are in dire need of dredging. Years of neglect, coupled with increasingly severe storms, have left the State’s channels in an unsafe and unnavigable condition.
“We have long been fighting for a more consistent, supported approach to dredging in this State,” stated Andrzejczak. “For years we have been fighting on behalf of many of our local municipalities to get the state and the Army Corps of Engineers to properly maintain these waterways. While the Office of Maritime Resources does a great job with the ‘resources’ they have, it’s not nearly enough.”
Lastly, the state’s support of transit in South Jersey is considered lacking by residents and public officials alike. “If you truly want to see how the State prioritizes transit in South Jersey, look at how long the Atlantic City Rail Line was closed,” remarked Milam. “Residents were left without the most significant rail line in South Jersey for eight months. That is just not acceptable.”