Noting the significance of public-private partnerships to New Jersey’s continued economic revitalization, the Governor on Wednesday joined state and local officials to break ground for the $150 million Gateway Transit Village project in New Brunswick. The mixed-use development will create an estimated 3,000 construction jobs before its completion in 2012.

Located adjacent to the Northeast Corridor rail line and directly across the street from Rutgers University, the 630,000-square-foot building will provide residential, retail office space and parking within a stones throw of a major mass transit line. This will lead to fewer cars on the road and easier commutes for the employees who live or work on the premises.

“The Gateway project is a testament to how state and local partnerships with the private sector can create significant investment in our cities,” Governor Corzine said. “This development is the epitome of smart growth and the future of transit operations, mixed with residential and retail space. More importantly, projects like this are vital to keeping our economy moving in the right direction and providing jobs for our hardworking residents.”

Participants in the groundbreaking ceremony included New Brunswick Development Corporation President Christopher J. Paladino, New Brunswick Mayor James M. Cahill, Department of Transportation Commissioner Stephen Dilts, Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick, Barnes & Noble College Booksellers President Max J. Roberts and Governor’s Office of Economic Growth Chief Jerry Zaro.

Approximately $9.1 million in Liberty Corridor funding was secured by Senator Robert Menendez for improvements to the New Brunswick Station.