Sweeney Speaks To Value of TTF’s Transportation Upgrades & Economic Benefits In Address To Construction Engineers

Edison – Speaking to a conference of construction engineers this evening, Senate President Steve Sweeney spoke to the importance of making upgrades to the state’s transportation infrastructure to the economy and the more immediate benefits the investments from the Transportation Trust Fund will have for the economy. Senator Sweeney addressed the 41^st Annual New Jersey Construction Unity Dinner of the Professional Engineers in Construction in Edison, with more than 300 engineers, contractors, accountants and labor leaders in attendance.

“The implementation of the renewed Transportation Trust Fund will provide dedicated investments of $2 billion a year in New Jersey’s infrastructure, rebuilding, expanding and improving the roads, bridges, tunnels and railways that are the lifeblood of the state’s economy,” said Senator Sweeney. “The eight-year program is the longest since the TTF was created by former Governor Kean. It will provide immediate benefits for the economy by putting men and women to work in a variety of jobs and by pumping money into economic activity. This is one of the most significant investments we can make.”

Also speaking were Richard Hammer, the New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation, and Robert Fischer, the chief engineer of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

“We know that Senator Sweeney was the driving force in working with legislators from both parties and in both houses to forge an agreement for a renewed TTF that would gain the support of the governor,” said Sergio Couto, the chairman of the PEC of New Jersey. “He got it done.”

Senator Sweeney also gave tribute to Jamie Fox, the transportation commissioner under both Governor Chris Christie and former Governor Jim McGreevey, for his work as the state’s top transportation official in two administrations and his efforts to get the TTF renewed. Fox passed away on Monday.

“Jamie made important contributions to our work in getting the TTF renewed and he provided strong leadership in support of the state’s transportation system,” said Senator Sweeney. “He will be remembered for many reasons and one of the most significant will be his work to modernize transportation in New Jersey.”

With New Jersey moving forward with a fully financed TTF, Senator Sweeney said the state is also well positioned to compete for federal funds that “we hope will be made available if Washington allocates funding to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure,” Senator Sweeney said. “We are moving forward here in New Jersey; I hope that Washington will do the same.”