Menendez announces $52M to support and modernize New Jersey’s ports

NEW JERSEY – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) Thursday announced a combined total of $52,494,025 from the Port Infrastructure Development Program to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the South Jersey Port Corporation to modernize and equip the state’s ports with the infrastructure and security necessary to enhance the movement of exports and imports throughout the state and country.

Out of the total amount, $20,494,025 was allocated to the South Jersey Port Corporation for Phase 2 of the Wind Port in Paulsboro.

These funds will be used to complete a series of upgrades, construction projects, and restorations to effectively collect stormwater, provide the necessary infrastructure needed for utility connections, and improve security measures.

“Ports are vital sources of economic growth and opportunity for small businesses and large enterprises across the state and country. This $52 million investment will strengthen U.S. supply chains and will be critical in reducing inflationary pressures,” Menendez said. “These improvements and ongoing investments in New Jersey ports will also help preserve our national and economic security with the services they provide. I’m proud to have helped deliver this funding that will provide more jobs and opportunity for the people of Newark, Paulsboro, and across the state.”

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was awarded $32 million to replace and modernize the Berth PN-308 in Port Newark, reconstructing the wharf with a 75-year service-life. The port has been out of service since September of 2021 due to structural safety concerns. The project will increase the live load criteria by 300% while implementing flexible resiliency enhancements to manage rising sea levels.

“The ships arriving at the Port of New York and New Jersey are carrying the goods that power our region’s economy,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This grant award will make sure those ships have a reliable place to dock – a rebuilt wharf and pier structure that will last well into the future.”

“The Port Authority is committed to maintaining the cargo capabilities of the Port of New York and New Jersey at the highest possible level in order to keep the port at the forefront of the nation’s supply chain,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “This grant is a key element in achieving that ambition.”

In July, Sen. Menendez joined with local elected officials to announce a $730,477 award in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Small Shipyard Grant program. This investment supported the improvements and upgrades of the Bayonne Dry Dock to more efficiently service U.S. Military vessels and return them to action as quickly as possible, a critical asset that strengthens our national defense.

In 2021, Sen. Menendez voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This law unlocked once-in-a-generation investments to rebuild our crumbling roads and bridges, complete the Gateway Project, improve access to public transit, modernize our electrical grids and clean drinking water systems, and expand access to broadband.

In 2019, Sen. Menendez announced a total of $1,056,515 in federal grants from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to upgrade two shipyards in Cumberland and Middlesex County. The grants helped revitalize the shipyard facility and improved the safety of their operations with acquirement of temporary shelters and the installation of a robust electrical distribution system.

In 2018, Sen. Menendez and then-Rep. Albio Sires (D-N.J.-08) announced the awarding of $1,081,950 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Small Shipyard Grant program to support the improvements and upgrades of the Bayonne Dry Dock. This funding helped create high-paying, high-skilled industrial jobs for a diverse workforce in the area.