Booker Announces $406 Million in Federal Grants for New Jersey Projects

NEWARK N.J. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced a total of $406 million in federal grants being awarded to New Jersey by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). EPA's 2024 Clean Ports Program (CPP) is awarding the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority) $347 million total to execute their plan to implement alternative freight movement and zero-emissions options across the marine terminals operated by the Port Authority and its private sector partners in New York and New Jersey. The program will also award $55 million to the SeaStreak LLC to deploy high-speed zero-emission ferries for service between northern New Jersey and New York City, as well as for accompanying charging infrastructure and for training and workforce development. Additionally, the FRA is awarding $4 million to the Morristown & Erie Railway (ME) to provide more efficient and reliable freight rail operations along a nine-mile railway that runs from Morristown, New Jersey to Roseland, New Jersey.

Senator Booker wrote in support of the Port Authority's and the Morristown & Erie Railway's applications for these projects in May and July of this year, respectively.

The Port Authority's "Catalyzing Change: Zero Emissions NY-NJ Port Projects for a Greener Future" plan is receiving $344 million to establish a sustainable zero emissions operation at the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest container port on the East Coast and third largest in the country. The Port Authority's Port Master Plan 2050 would commit to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The second grant of $3 million would fund a drayage truck movement study, increased community air monitoring, and the establishment of a Ports Community Advisory Council.

"EPA's $347 million award to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to execute their 'Catalyzing Change' plan is a huge win for New Jersey, and a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future," said Senator Booker. "Investing in zero-emissions technologies and enhancing our freight operations will help us protect our environment and boost our regional economy. I am proud to have supported this award that will create jobs, improve air quality, protect our planet, and ensure that our supply chain remains efficient and resilient."

"We appreciate the recognition and support from our government and community partners to ensure the critical work at the Port of New York and New Jersey is accomplished with an eye toward the future," said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole. "This funding will reverberate well beyond the docks, allowing us to work together with nearby communities to ensure that the busiest port on the East Coast sets a new standard for collaboration, innovation, and sustainability."

"We're immensely grateful and thrilled to receive this significant funding from the EPA, allowing us to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission equipment across our port facilities," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. "This award is a crucial step forward in our commitment to sustainability and will help us meet the Agency's net-zero emissions goal by 2050. We are grateful for the EPA's partnership as the Port Authority continues our aggressive pursuit of our climate agenda."

"These extraordinary awards represent a significant step toward our community engagement and sustainability efforts, and we extend our sincere appreciation to all of the port partners who made it happen," said Bethann Rooney, port director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "The cargo moved through the Port radiates out across the country, but it would not be possible without the collaboration of the port community. Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice as we look to maximize the impact of every dollar to deliver cleaner air, new equipment, and a port that leads the way on sustainability and community engagement."

"Ports are essential to moving and bringing us goods that we depend on, but they are also sources of air and climate pollution impacting the surrounding communities," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "By advancing zero-emission technologies, we are tackling air pollution head-on while creating good-paying jobs that support local economies and families. This tremendous investment demonstrates EPA's commitment to environmental and climate justice, and economic opportunity while also ensuring that our port communities can breathe cleaner air."

The grant money for the Morristown-Erie Railway will be awarded through the FRA's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. The project will replace five-track miles of 75-year-old lite-weight jointed rail and eight switches with 115-pound or larger rail in addition to other updates. These improvements will minimize derailments and reduce noise levels, and help the railway expand its operations to manage the increase of freight coming in from the Port of New York and New Jersey.

"This $4 million grant from the FRA's CRISI program is a crucial investment in the Morristown & Erie Railway that will enhance the safety and efficiency of our freight operations," said Senator Booker. "Upgrading our aging infrastructure will benefit freight rail workers and consumers from Morristown to Roseland who rely on these tracks. This project will create jobs, support the local economy, and ensure this railway remains safe and efficient for years to come."

"We are pleased to have received Senator Booker's support in receiving this $4MM CRISI grant toward a total $6MM project to replace rail switches and extend track on our rail line. It will enable us to continue providing environmentally superior rail freight service to our customers, facilitate customer growth and additional employment in our Morris and Essex County service territory," said Morristown & Erie President Charles Jensen.