Senator Bucco applauds EDA grant approval to help businesses affected by I-80 sinkholes

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) released the following statement regarding the NJ Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) approval of the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program:

“I’m grateful to see the NJEDA Board officially approve the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program, a critical step forward in helping our small businesses recover from the devastating financial impact of the Route 80 sinkhole,” said Sen. Bucco. “For months, local businesses have been suffering—through no fault of their own—due to ongoing lane closures and reduced customer traffic. These are family-run establishments that fuel our local economy and enrich our communities. Thank you Governor Murphy and the NJEDA for listening to our concerns, recognizing the hardship, and moving quickly to get this $5 million grant program across the finish line. This is exactly the kind of responsive, bipartisan governmental action that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”

The NJEDA will host several information sessions for small business owners interested in the Interstate 80 Business Assistance Grant Program:

In-person Session:

• Monday, April 14, 2025
  • 5:00 p.m.
  • Wharton Municipal Building, 10 Robert Street, Wharton, N.J.
  • *Business owners are encouraged, but not required, to bring a laptop or tablet to the in-person session to ensure proper access to the application portal.

Virtual Sessions:

• Tuesday, April 15, 2025
  • 10:00 a.m.
  • Click here to join.
• Wednesday, April 16, 2025
  • 6:00 p.m.
  • Click here to join.

The grant program will support small businesses in Morris County that have experienced a decline in revenue due to the lane closures on Route 80 caused by the ongoing sinkhole repairs.

Eligible applicants include small businesses and non-profits that have up to 50 full-time employees. Businesses must be located in Morris County and within a five-mile radius of Interstate 80’s Exit 34. Applicants must also certify a negative financial impact of at least $1,000 for the first quarter of 2025.

For more information about the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program, click here.