Morristown, Phillipsburg among N.J. towns to get part of nearly $1 million in DEP clean transportation planning grants
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has awarded nearly $1 million in transportation planning grants aimed at helping communities such as Morristown and Phillipsburg develop clean, accessible transportation options to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The $983,950 in eMobility planning grants will support four Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) as they partner with local governments to explore solutions that ease congestion and connect residents to jobs, education, medical services, and other resources. Potential solutions include electric car shares, ride shares, or shuttle services. Communities could later apply for additional funding through DEP’s eMobility program to implement these plans.
“Providing clean public transportation options such as zero-emission vehicles or ride-sharing services that are reliable and affordable is key to the well-being of our communities, especially those long overburdened by environmental and health stressors,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “These grants will help communities provide accessible and clean transportation options that reduce air pollution, protect public health and strengthen the economy.”
Avenues in Motion will receive $145,450 for planning efforts in Morristown and Phillipsburg. Other awards include $400,000 to Cross County Connection TMA for work in Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May counties; $200,000 to EZ Ride for projects in Plainfield and Orange; and $238,500 to Greater Mercer TMA for initiatives in East Windsor, Hightstown, Toms River, and Lakewood.
“We know that not every town is the same, so we’re offering these planning grants in order for towns to develop specialized solutions that meet the unique transportation needs of their residents,” said Peg Hanna, DEP’s director of climate change mitigation and monitoring.
David W. Behrend, executive director of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, praised the grants, saying, “The associations are key partners in helping us achieve regional goals and these grants will explore strategies to improve air quality, alleviate congestion and increase connectivity for residents.”
The TMAs will use the funds to collect data, assess existing transportation services, and engage with community members to tailor solutions. The projects will follow DEP’s eMobility Planning Toolkit, a guide for developing transportation initiatives eligible for future grant funding.
For more information about the program, visit dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/emobility-planning-grants.
