Gov. Christie signs bill authorizing $140 million for NJ Transit

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie yesterday signed a bill authorizing $400 million for transportation projects through June 30.

The law allocates $260 million to the State Department of Transportation for use on road and bridge projects and $140 million to New Jersey Transit for safety system and technology upgrades, according to a press release issued by Christie's office.

The supplemental funding from the state's Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) will allow projects that already are in an advanced stage of design to go to bid this spring and begin construction as soon as possible. The TTF is being financed through a 23-cent gas tax increase — the first in 28 years.

"Having updated roads and bridges and safe transit systems that utilize state-of-the-art technology is not only vital to protect drivers and riders but to ensure the stability and expansion of New Jersey's economy," said  Christie. "This $400 million supplemental appropriation will expedite projects this year to improve the safety and state of good repair of our roads, bridges and public transit system, with the local aid portion also serving as direct property tax relief."