Monmouth Awarded Most Funding of Any County in NJ

Senator Declan O’Scanlon announced that Monmouth County will receive $6 million in “Local Bridge, Future Needs” grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to undertake bridge reconstruction projects.

“This award demonstrates how the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund is employed to support vital local projects,” said O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth). I want to commend NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti and Monmouth County Engineer Joe Ettore for their efforts to ensure that this grant program funds bridge projects around the state in a fair and appropriate manner.”

“This is a big win for Monmouth County and a great example of good, responsive government. When there were minimal, actually deficient, funds available for this critical infrastructure, distributing it by County was appropriate. With the increase in funds the methodology had to change,” said O’Scanlon. “Working with Monmouth County Engineer Joe Ettore and professionals at the DOT we were able to arrive at a new formula that’s fair to all. Kudos to the efforts of Joe and DOT Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti and her staff.”

The grants were awarded as part of a $47.3 program statewide to help counties maintain local bridges in a state of good repair.

The awards were based on a formula that took into account factors including the total bridge deck area in a county and the portion in poor condition.

“Monmouth County was awarded the most money because we have a large number of bridges that take a beating from high traffic volumes and corrosive salt water,” said O’Scanlon. “Quite simply, the formula worked, and we’re getting exactly what we deserve. You don’t see that every day.”