Middlesex County and its partners announce major milestone in North Brunswick Train Station development
Middlesex County and its partners announce major milestone in North Brunswick Train Station development
Middlesex County Improvement Authority prepares request-for-proposal
for design & engineering
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County, and its partners, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, NJ TRANSIT, North Brunswick Township, and Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) announce the next stage of the development of the North Brunswick Train Station— initiating the public request-for-proposal for design and engineering of this major transportation project. Middlesex County and the MCIA took the helm of this multi-faceted project in the fall of 2019, driving progress after a prolonged lull. The County hosted a virtual press conference on Thursday to make the announcement; a link to that event can be found here: https://bit.ly/3duPQCL
“Today’s announcement is a game-changing moment in building this critically needed transportation hub on the Northeast Corridor and getting it completed expeditiously,” said Freeholder Director, Ronald G. Rios. “The North Brunswick Train Station will bring relief to one of the state’s busiest rail lines, reduce traffic on Route 1, and attract new revenue to the region. And for the County, the project has become emblematic of our continuous focus on forward momentum and prosperity for all our residents, businesses, and partners.”
“NJ TRANSIT is extremely pleased to partner with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority to move this important project forward,” said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chair, Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “The new North Brunswick train station is not only expected to serve thousands of customers on our busiest rail line, but it will also spur economic growth and development in Middlesex County.”
“Thanks to our strong partnership with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, we are well on our way to a brand-new train station at North Brunswick,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO, Kevin Corbett. “This new station will enhance mobility for thousands of customers along our busy Northeast Corridor rail line and will serve as an economic driver for Middlesex County. “NJ TRANSIT is proud to partner on a project that will yield benefits for both our customers and the communities we serve.”
“The North Brunswick train station represents more than just convenience by providing an outlet between Jersey Avenue and Princeton Junction, it is an example of the future-forward thinking of Middlesex County – as the County spearheads economic development and growth in this region,” said Freeholder and NJ Transit Board Member, Shanti Narra. “And not the least, more people on trains and fewer people on the roads will create a sustainable future for us all.”
“Securing approval to kickstart the public procurement process for the design and engineering of this project is a critical step forward in getting this train station and parking facility completed in the near future, said MCIA Chairman, James Nolan. “Our foremost commitment is to the community to ensure that this train station and the surrounding village is created with the highest standards and in a timely manner.”
“We are thrilled to work with Middlesex County to take control of the development process and move this project from talks to design and construction,” said MCIA Executive Director, James Polos.
“We thank the County for their continued leadership and commitment to ensuring this project moves ahead” said North Brunswick Township Mayor, Francis “Mac” Womack. “This train station will make a positive reverberating impact to this region and to everyone who resides in it.”
As announced in 2019 by Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the MCIA has successfully pivoted its focus from general county services to primarily economic development, leveraging its unique ability to bond and finance projects. With Middlesex County’s strong AAA rating, secured for the past 20 consecutive years, the MCIA obtains financing at very low-interest rates allowing major capital ventures to be undertaken without increasing County taxes, in most cases. Additionally, the MCIA has a professional staff with deep and collective experience with redevelopment projects that span decades to ensure quality, timeliness, and cost-efficiency in its execution.
In the fall of 2019, the MCIA announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with NJ TRANSIT to serve as the project manager for the North Brunswick Train Station. Recognizing the unique capability of the MCIA, NJ TRANSIT is allowing a County for the first time to manage the construction of this crucial infrastructure project.
Under the new role and direction of the MCIA as the financial arm of the County’s economic development strategy, the North Brunswick Train Station is moving forward swiftly. This forward-thinking redevelopment project embodies the vision of Destination 2040, the County’s strategic economic plan, and its goal of making Middlesex County a thriving, attractive destination to live, work, and play for generations while attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors to sustain its future.
###
