New Jersey to invest $180 million for public health, broadband projects

The state of New Jersey has been approved for $180 million from the U.S. Treasury Department for several projects that promote public health and safety, digital connectivity and equitable access to critical services.

The funds come from the Treasury Department’s Capital Project Fund (CPF), which has awarded more than $9 billion since 2022 for broadband, digital technology and multi-purpose community center projects.

New Jersey will use the funds for projects that include building out internet broadband networks, a new school and a center focused on maternal and infant health.

“These are essential investments in New Jersey’s future, expanding access to high-speed internet, rebuilding schools, making it safer for mothers giving birth, and more,” U.S. Sen. Cory Booker said in a statement.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will receive $50 million to establish and administer a broadband infrastructure program that will connect areas with limited or no access to broadband internet.

Another $50 million has been approved for construction of a Union City Community School that will provide educational opportunities for 827 students in grades 7 through 9, as well as serve the community as a multipurpose center.

As part of its Connected Bus program, NJ Transit will receive $15 million to address inequities in internet access onboard public transit buses through free high-speed Wi-Fi with an activated ticket.

Trenton is also using $25 million to build a Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC). New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is developing the MIHIC as part of the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, designed to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable state to give birth and raise a child.

Funding from Treasury’s Capital Project Fund will complement additional federal and State monies expected to help finance the project.

Building Community Resilience, a project of New Jersey’s State Library, will invest over $30 million in improving community facilities and addressing disparities in access to education, jobs and health monitoring.