MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday presented a proposed 2026 Capital Spending Plan totaling just over $50 million, with investments focused on infrastructure, public safety and operational improvements across the county’s 39 municipalities.
The plan includes approximately $13.1 million in grant funding, reducing the county’s net investment to about $36.9 million, officials said.
The proposal was outlined during the commissioners’ public meeting by the Capital Budget Committee, chaired by Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioners Deborah Smith and Christine Myers. The plan reflects months of review involving county departments, constitutional offices and partner agencies.
“Our 2026 Capital Plan strikes the right balance between maintaining our existing assets and making strategic investments in the county’s future,” Shaw said. “I am grateful to Commissioners Smith and Myers, and to our administration and finance team, for their meticulous work. With this plan, Morris County remains well-positioned to support economic opportunity, public safety and a high quality of life for our residents.”
“This capital plan reflects the responsible, ongoing investment required to keep systems safe, resilient and functional for our residents,” he added.
The spending plan is organized around three investment categories — infrastructure, standard and strategic — aimed at maintaining county assets while addressing high-priority needs.
More than $30 million, or over 60% of the total, is dedicated to infrastructure projects. Those funds support the county’s responsibility for maintaining 287 miles of roads, 1,000 bridges and culverts, three freight railroads, 1,200 vehicles, more than 3.4 million square feet of county buildings and 20,611 acres of parkland, along with public safety and judicial facilities.
“Morris County has earned its reputation as a statewide leader in infrastructure maintenance,” Smith said. “Our 2026 plan directs $30 million toward resurfacing roads, upgrading dams in our parks, improving intersections, advancing bridge design and construction, and addressing stormwater needs. These investments support safety, mobility and economic development.”
“These are improvements residents will see and feel every day,” she added.
Planned road resurfacing projects include 3.6 miles of Fairmount Avenue in Chatham Borough and Chatham Township, 1.3 miles of Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township, 1.8 miles of Ridgedale Avenue in Florham Park and East Hanover, and 4 miles of West Mill Road in Washington Township.
Approximately $13.3 million is allocated for standard investments, including security upgrades, Sheriff’s Office equipment, building and grounds improvements, vehicle replacements and information technology updates.
“Our standard investments fund critical work residents don’t often see but are necessary for running county operations and ensuring their safety,” Myers said. “From security enhancements and Sheriff’s Office equipment to vehicle replacements and IT upgrades, these dollars ensure our essential services operate smoothly every day.”
Another $6.65 million is earmarked for strategic investments, focusing on fire and life safety systems, emergency communications and sheriff’s patrol operations.
“This portion of the plan reflects smart, forward-looking decisions,” Smith said. “We’re improving fire and life safety systems, strengthening emergency communications and supporting our sheriff’s patrol operations. These are meaningful improvements that enhance public safety and service delivery.”
The Capital Budget Committee invited feedback from commissioners before the plan is incorporated into the full 2026 county budget, which is expected to be introduced in the first quarter of the new year.
