Governor Murphy Calls Out Congestion Pricing Scheme for Violating New York Law, Cutting Corners Once Again, and Evading Requirements for Proper Public Vetting

Governor Phil Murphy formally submitted written comments on behalf of the State of New Jersey to the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority (TBTA), which will set the tolls for New York City’s congestion pricing scheme. In the letter, the Governor raises that the process to establish the tolling scheme violates New York State law and demonstrates that the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is continuing to take shortcuts in order to rush through its ill-conceived and ill-considered Central Business District (CBD) Tolling Program.

“Today, I again voiced New Jersey’s concerns with MTA’s plans for congestion pricing in New York City,” said Governor Murphy. “MTA continues to cut corners on the legal and procedural requirements to establish congestion pricing in an effort to ignore the chorus of voices rising up in opposition to MTA’s plans. Enough is enough. It’s time for MTA to abandon its proposal and rethink congestion pricing in a way that makes sense.”

A full copy of the comments submitted can be found here. In addition to the written comments, Governor Murphy made good on his claims that New Jersey will use every tool at its disposal to fight the unfair and unjust plan by calling into the MTA’s public hearing to voice his opposition directly to the board on behalf of New Jersey’s 9.3 million residents. Listen to Governor Murphy’s comments here.

Governor Murphy noted in his letter that the TBTA and the MTA have failed to engage in an adequate rulemaking process in violation of the New York State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA) and the MTA Reform and Traffic Mobility Act (TMA) in their rush to implement a first-in-the-nation congestion pricing scheme. Moreover, the recommendations being considered by the TBTA raise significant concerns that the adopted tolling scheme will be contrary to state law, as well as arbitrary and capricious and unconstitutional. Those latter claims have been previously outlined in the lawsuit New Jersey filed in July 2023 in federal court.

In his letter, the Governor also reiterated that the tolling structure recommended by the Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB) is the result of a failed environmental analysis that violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Air Act (CAA) and therefore must be revised to ensure that it complies with state and federal law.

Murphy Administration Invests More That $26 Million in Affordable Housing Projects Across the State

The Murphy Administration announced the award of more than $26 million to organizations across the state through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). The fund is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and provides financial assistance for affordable housing for New Jersey residents in a variety of communities around the state.

“At the start of our Administration, I made a pledge, along with the late Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, to retool the state’s affordable housing system to make living in New Jersey more affordable for our hardworking residents. The award of more than $26 million through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is the most recent example of that pledge in action,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We will continue to prioritize our efforts on this front until all working people and families in our state can find a safe and affordable place to call home.”

“The Murphy Administration has empowered the Department of Community Affairs with both the commitment and the funding to address the shortage of affordable housing in New Jersey,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez, who also serves as the DCA Director of the Division of Local Government Services. “Each of these development projects represents a contemporary, safe, accessible, and affordable home where families can live and children can thrive. Through this transformative investment, we will strengthen neighborhoods, create more diverse communities, and promote economic growth.”

All the awards were given to smaller rental and homeownership housing projects sized at 25 or fewer units, which often have difficulty obtaining financing. These projects will fill the gaps within the existing affordable housing framework, build on current assets and investments, and add value to neighborhoods. The projects are also being developed by community-based organizations that have a strong connection to the housing equity issues in their communities.

Murphy Administration Awards $20 Million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to 353 Fire Departments in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy announced the award of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to local and regional fire departments across New Jersey to ensure firefighters have proper protective, cleaning, and sanitization equipment. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded the grants to 353 fire departments after a competitive application process.

This announcement marks the second time the Murphy Administration has awarded American Rescue Plan (ARP) Firefighter Grants. In November 2022, DCA awarded $10 million to 293 fire departments.

“I am pleased that my Administration was able to double the allocation of ARP funds in this year’s budget from $10 million to $20 million to fire departments, which provide critical, life-saving services in our communities,” said Governor Murphy. “The continuation of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program for a second cycle means local governments don’t have to break the bank to get firefighters the gear and equipment they need. We’re putting our federal tax dollars to use here in New Jersey communities for essential services.”

“This funding would not be possible without the support of our state and federal legislators, who have time and time again prioritized our first responders,” continued Governor Murphy.

“It can be difficult for fire departments to replace equipment when needed due to the high costs involved and financial constraints. The American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants give fire departments the ability to purchase the equipment they need to protect our communities and keep themselves safe,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “DCA is proud to administer this important grant program and direct federal funds to the public servants who answer the call to serve their community despite enormous risk to their lives.”

NJ Human Services Opens College Scholarship Program for Blind, Deaf-Blind, and Visually Impaired Students

Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced students can now apply to the 2024 Board of Trustees Scholarship program, which provides college scholarships to individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, and/or visually impaired.  

The program, run by Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), is open to high school seniors and college students, of any age, who are registered to attend the 2024-2025 academic year. Students must be active or eligible CBVI clients. For full eligibility requirements please visit here.  

“These scholarships work to provide financial support so blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired scholars can reach their academic and professional goals,” said Commissioner Adelman. “The endless opportunities that come with pursing higher education belong to all, including those who are blind, deaf-blind, or visually impaired. We urge those interested to learn more about this program and apply for the 2024-2025 school year.”

Four privately funded scholarships will be available, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Each scholarship will be awarded to a student who best fits the qualifications.

All interested applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for all scholarships and must demonstrate community involvement and service to others.