WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today announced $10,349,444 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to address traffic and safety issues along Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City. In 2019, the Atlantic City Police Department reported over 350 accidents along the Downtown thoroughfare, resulting in 84 injuries and two deaths.

“This important funding will improve roadways in Atlantic City, creating a safer environment for their thousands of residents, workers, and tourists who visit the city,” said Sen. Menendez, who urged USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg to prioritize the project. “Projects like this are vital to the modernization of our state’s infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs and keeping our economy moving forward.”

“I am so proud to announce these critical federal resources to Atlantic City for a project that I have long advocated for that will improve the safety and efficiency of a major thoroughfare,” said Sen. Booker, who wrote in support of the project in July. “Federal investment in modern technology like this will not only save lives, but it will put people to work, keep Atlantic City’s economy moving, and improve the quality of life in the region.”

Atlantic City will use the Rebuild American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant to help with the design and installation of signal synchronization on Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Avenues, as well as safety improvements on Atlantic Avenue. The grant would implement the 2020 Atlantic Avenue Road Safety Assessment, which was completed in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization.

“The safety of our residents is something my Administration takes very seriously,” said Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “The $10.3 million RAISE grant will allow us to make significant safety improvements to our City, especially for our pedestrians and cyclists. We look forward to working with our state and federal partners as we continue to improve and rebuild Atlantic City’s infrastructure to better serve our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

The project aligns with the goals of the RAISE program, including minimizing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, stimulating economic development, reducing travel delays, improving bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicle safety while enhancing the region’s transportation infrastructure.

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