NJEDA updates Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program, expands eligibility and funding
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has updated its Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program, which was originally announced by Governor Phil Murphy in April.
The initiative is designed to support small businesses impacted by traffic disruptions caused by ongoing sinkhole repairs and lane closures along Interstate 80.
According to the Amended Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) issued on May 14, the total funding allocation for the program has increased from $5 million to up to $5.5 million.
In addition, eligibility for the program has been expanded. Businesses now qualify if they have a physical commercial location within 5 miles of the I-80 closure, regardless of the county. All other eligibility requirements outlined in the original NOFA (dated April 14, 2025) remain unchanged.
The Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program was created following Executive Order 383, issued by Governor Murphy on March 8, which declared a state of emergency due to geophysical hazards—including sinkholes—along eastbound I-80 in Morris County.
Applications will be accepted during the following window:
- Opening: May 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. EST
- Closing: June 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST
There is no application fee, and applications can be submitted through the NJEDA portal at https://programs.njeda.com/en-US/.
