NJ BUSINESSES SHOULD BE FIRST IN LINE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Republicans, who believe New Jersey businesses should be first in line for infrastructure projects, have introduced legislation that would give New Jersey businesses preference in the awarding of public contracts.

The bill, A-3446, sponsored by Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt, both R-Ocean, Burlington and Atlantic, directs the Department of Treasury to promulgate rules to indentify qualified businesses in the state. According to the bill, a critical infrastructure project is defined as a transportation or highway; sewerage project, water supply project; or building project constructed by the State or a political subdivision. State Senator Christopher Connors will be the lead bill-sponsor in the Senate.

“If nothing is done on this, there exists the very real possibility these contracts could be awarded to companies and workers from Delaware, Pennsylvania or New York,” said Rumpf, the ranking Republican member of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee. “Residents in certain areas of the state, most predominately in the Shore area, will soon pay a heavy price in toll hikes on the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. Revenue generated through the pending toll increases that are designated for infrastructure projects should make its way back into the pockets of state residents and businesses to strengthen New Jersey’s economy in this difficult time.”

“Our legislation covers a broad range of public projects to benefit as many businesses and workers in New Jersey as possible and prevent this revenue from leaving the state,” said Van Pelt. “This includes school construction projects that Governor Corzine has stated are needed to stimulate our state’s economy. We feel this is a sound economic proposal that would be essential to any economic stimulus plan focused on putting New Jersey residents back to work through the awarding of contracts for critical infrastructure projects.”

Senator Connors added that a more effective, responsible use of tax dollars and toll revenue that will fund future infrastructure projects would be to ensure that New Jersey firms and employees perform the work as an investment in the state economy.

“Businesses here already have the odds stacked against them on account of the State’s tax structure which normally lands New Jersey last in the nation in terms of establishing a pro-business environment,” he said “A sizeable portion of project funding will come from the planned toll increases, which our delegation vehemently opposed. However, our proposal attempts to make the best out of what will soon be a more difficult situation for businesses and residents who will have yet another financial burden imposed upon them.”