Mercer Times

Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, alongside Governor Phil Murphy, have reported progress in their joint inspection, maintenance, and improvement program for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance service reliability for customers on the NEC. The announcement follows a meeting led by Governor Murphy in June to address major service disruptions that occurred over the summer. Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT have since released a new progress report and discussed recent grants amounting to nearly $300 million in federal funding aimed at modernizing critical rail infrastructure in New Jersey.

Governor Murphy stated, “This summer, I brought Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT together to address unacceptably long, disruptive rail delays on NJ TRANSIT that were a consistent problem in the spring and early summer.” He further noted that while aging infrastructure remains a challenge, completed repairs and upcoming investments will improve transit for New Jerseyans.

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner remarked on the partnership's success: “Our partnership with NJ TRANSIT and joint commitment to Governor Murphy to ensure that our collective customers have safe and reliable train service is achieving results.” Kevin S. Corbett, President & CEO of NJ TRANSIT, emphasized the importance of sustaining efforts: “While we are pleased with the progress that has improved reliability for tens of thousands of NJ TRANSIT rail customers, our joint efforts will continue.”

In another development, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved a $10 million Small Business Liquor License Grant Program. This initiative will provide up to $100,000 in grant funding to eligible small businesses purchasing inactive liquor licenses within the past year. Governor Murphy expressed his support: “The Small Business Liquor License Grant program is an important step in removing financial barriers for our small businesses.”

Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of NJEDA, highlighted the program's potential impact: “The Small Business Liquor License Grant will relieve the negative financial burdens of obtaining a liquor license.”

Additionally, a new partnership between the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) and Partners for Justice (PFJ) aims to enhance legal representation for individuals involved in the criminal legal system across Atlantic, Monmouth, and Hudson counties. Governor Murphy praised this collaboration: “This new partnership...will help bridge gaps between legal and personal needs.”

Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti emphasized its broader significance: "Public defense is about more than what happens in the courtroom; it is about public safety."

Furthermore, NJEDA has approved over $17 million for 12 real estate development projects through its Local Property Acquisition Grant Program. Tim Sullivan noted these initiatives' role in economic growth: “The projects supported through [this program] will help advance local economic development initiatives throughout the state.”