Rep. Watson Coleman Announces $3.9 Million in Investments in Trenton Infrastructure

New appropriations include funding for wharf flood resilience, safety improvements at the Trenton Transit Center, and improvements to Route 29

Ewing, NJ (July 16, 2021) – Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the passage of two targeted infrastructure projects for the City of Trenton through the House Appropriations Committee.  Along with the previously passed Route 29 Tunnel Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) project these initiatives constitute significant infrastructure improvements.

This year, the Appropriations and T&I Committees accepted funding requests from House members for district specific local projects. Rep. Watson Coleman worked with local leaders in the 12^th District to identify and submit important improvement projects.

The projects include:

• $2.4 million to make necessary safety and ventilation improvements to the Route 29 Tunnel to allow for its use by commercial trucks that are currently forced to reroute through nearby residential neighborhoods.
• $500 thousand for public safety and beautification improvements – including lighting and murals – along the heavily utilized pedestrian and bicycle passage between the Trenton Transit Center and downtown Trenton providing important safety improvements to this heavily utilized walkway.
• $1 million for flood mitigation and restoration at the historic Trenton Fishing Wharf Park and reestablish riverfront access points. Improvements include green stormwater management systems to mitigate flooding and the rehabilitation of the surrounding public park.

“Providing the 12^th District with the resources it needs to flourish is one of my greatest responsibilities as our representative in Congress,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “These projects, as well as others secured for the district, are an important part of the Biden Administration’s push to Build Back Better. Together with our local leaders we’re setting Trenton and the 12^th District on a path to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and forge ahead stronger than ever.”

“Between flood mitigation, public safety improvements and other critical infrastructure projects, we are beyond grateful for the hard work of our congresswoman in securing these funds for our capital city,” said Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes. “These projects will improve the quality of life for countless Trentonians and set Mercer County as a whole on a secure path toward the future.”

“Trenton families deserve to live without the hazards and nuisance of heavy trucks and the air pollution that comes with the truck traffic,” said State Senator Shirley Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon).  “The Route 29 tunnel was heralded as the solution to get heavy trucks off of local roads, but because of its design failure, trucks are restricted from using the tunnel.  I am grateful that our Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has accomplished this important first step to fix the problem and answered our call to get the traffic off of local roads and address an issue of environmental justice that is affecting the quality of life of our residents.  I am looking forward to working with our federal delegation to secure the funding.”

“The transformative projects that our congresswoman secured will help put the Capital City in a better place,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “Combined they will divert heavy trucks out of our residential streets, bolster flood protection by restoring a centerpiece of our historic waterfront and make our transit center neighborhood safer and more welcoming for the thousands of commuters who travel in and out of Trenton every day. I have no doubt that this funding will fundamentally improve the quality of life for one of New Jersey’s most diverse and economically challenged communities.”

These projects now head to the House Floor and are expected to pass during the week of July 26^th. In addition to the previously passed projects under the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s H.R. 3684 INVEST in America Act, these bills head to the Senate where they await further consideration.