Garden State Times

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblymen Christopher DePhillips and Al Barlas revealed on Thursday the allocation of over $1 million in grants to Franklin Lakes Borough, Cedar Grove, and Ridgewood for transportation projects.

Assemblyman DePhillips emphasized the importance of the grants in advancing projects that enhance commuter safety, particularly for schoolchildren. He stated, “Projects that support the safety of commuters, and especially our schoolchildren, have always been a priority for local officials and residents, but now they are getting the state assistance they desperately need to move forward. These grants will advance projects that tackle serious infrastructure concerns without burdening local taxpayers.”

The specific allocations include $550,000 for Franklin Lakes Borough from the state Department of Transportation for the second phase of a project aimed at improving pedestrian safety on Franklin Lake and High Mountain roads, particularly benefiting students at High Mountain Road Elementary School. Cedar Grove has been granted $350,000 for the reconstruction of Devonshire Road, while Ridgewood will utilize a $157,468 grant to start preliminary engineering work for a Safe Routes to Schools project, enhancing safety for students walking and biking to local schools.

Assemblyman Barlas underscored the significance of the grants in providing a better quality of life for New Jersey residents. He remarked, “These grants demonstrate a return on investment for our constituents who are raising families, retired or building businesses in New Jersey. They deserve the security and improved quality of life that come with safer roads, properly maintained highways, repaved sidewalks, additional bike lanes, and reduced traffic congestion.”

The grants are part of the municipal aid program through which municipalities can compete for a portion of their county’s transportation funding from NJDOT.