For Immediate Release:
July 8, 2016
Freeholders: Project Shut Down
Threatens Safety
Urge Governor, Legislature to Replenish Transportation Trust Fund
FREEHOLD, NJ – Plans to shut down major road and bridge projects threatens the public safety of Monmouth County residents and visitors and unnecessarily delays much needed transportation and infrastructure improvements.
“We have a responsibility to provide for the safety and well-being of County residents and tourists. We are in the midst of an important repair contract on the Oceanic Bridge, and now we are being told to stop work? That is an outrageous solution to a serious problem. Trenton needs to act now,” said Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone.
Dozens of transportation and infrastructure projects across Monmouth County, like the Oceanic Bridge rehabilitation, the Route 537 and Route 34 intersection improvements and the dredging of the Shark River, are now preparing to be shut down after Governor Chris Christie issued Executive Order 210 declaring a State of Emergency after the Legislature failed to act on a legislative solution to replenish the state’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). The emergency declaration led to a subsequent Shutdown Order on Wednesday, sending contractors and their workers home beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday. The Shutdown Order requires the cessation of work period be no less than seven days, but provides no estimate for when work may be expected to resume.
“This stare-down at the state level has real-life consequences for our residents and the multitude of visitors to our beaches and tourist attractions. It is irresponsible for our state government leaders to continue with this game,” said Monmouth County Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso. “I urge State leadership to work together to come up with short and long term solutions that will keep our roads, bridges and waterways safe and these projects moving forward.”
# # #