NJ Transit to receive $147 million in Hurricane Sandy funds

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded New Jersey Transit $147.1 million through the Federal Transit Administration's Public Transportation Relief Program for repair, recovery and resiliency projects related to Hurricane Sandy.

The funding will be used to continue work on the Morris & Essex and North Jersey Coast lines’ signal and communications systems; repair traction power and distribution systems that support the Hudson-Bergen light-rail system; and advance other long-term recovery efforts, according to a press release issued by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's office.

NJ Transit also will use the funds to advance resilience projects, including installation of water-tight doors and barriers at the Meadows Maintenance Complex and the installation of more resilient signal systems at Hoboken Yard.

“This award means we can start putting another $147 million to work on projects that will allow us to maintain service longer during an event, or, if necessary, restore service sooner,” said NJ Transit Executive Director Veronique Hakim.

The agency was awarded $144 million in Public Transportation Emergency Relief Funds in May 2013 and obtained an additional $66 million in June 2014.