Paterson Will Receive Over $50 Million from FY2023 Budget and an Additional $10 Million Toward Capital Projects

PATERSON – Governor Murphy visited Paterson today to highlight direct investments in local communities and infrastructure alongside state and local officials. As part of the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023) budget agreement, Paterson will receive over $50 million, which includes $15 million for the Great Falls Re-Development, the Straight and Narrow program, the Ward Street Parking Garage, and the Paterson Jump Start Youth Program; $2.25 million for the NJ Community Development Corporation Youth Center Project, Paterson; and $2 million for the Anti-violence Out-of-School Youth Program. The $50 million also includes nearly $35 million in municipal aid, of which over $1.7 million comes from the new Municipal Relief Fund.

“Our path toward a stronger, fairer New Jersey begins in every local community – on every road we traverse, every community center we frequent, and every neighborhood we call home,” said Governor Murphy. “The vast assortment of investments presented today are evidence of what our local officials – and our residents – know all too well: the needs of our communities are great, but their potential is even greater. That potential can only be achieved through comprehensive state investments that promote lasting stability and growth for generations to come.”

“The Governor and I are proud to partner with local communities where so much of what makes New Jersey great happens,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which administers the Transitional Aid program and the new Municipal Relief Fund. “The Murphy Administration remains committed to helping local governments do the best job they can, including providing public services that are critical to community vitality.”

Paterson will also receive $10,725,000 in additional FY2022 Transitional Aid that will fund capital investments and critical infrastructure upgrades, including:

• $1,500,000 for numerous road resurfacing projects, including public roads, the city lot on Ellison Street, and park roadways, especially at Eastside Park
• $1,500,000 for purchase of 15 new police patrol vehicles
• $1,000,000 for improvements to the Paterson Museum/Historic Thomas Rogers Locomotive Erecting Shop and the renovation project at 125/133 Ellison Street
• $1,000,000 for various Westside Park renovations, including but not limited to comfort stations, office, and maintenance sheds, walking path, parking and circulation, boathouse refurbishment, plantings, and east ball field circulation
• $930,000 for City Health facility improvements
• $725,000 for traffic safety improvements
• $725,000 for police equipment, including eight new police patrol vehicles
• $500,000 for charging infrastructure and electrification of the city fleet
• $500,000 for renovation/construction costs at the Pennsylvania Ave. OEM complex, which will include new communications center
• $475,000 for seven new police patrol vehicles
• $300,000 for a new ambulance
• $300,000 for an aerial lift truck
• $280,000 for Riverside Senior Center facility improvements
• $290,000 for public works equipment
• $260,000 for a city yard compactor and groundwork for installation
• $200,000 for automatic CPR devices and stretcher power lifts
• $190,000 to pave the City Health Division parking lot
• $50,000 for a library maintenance vehicle

“Democrats were put in unified control of Washington to help us recover and thrive,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell. “We have delivered! The historic laws Democrats have delivered have pumped over $10 billion into our great state and nearly $100 million in Passaic County. This federal support kept New Jersey up and running, and with Gov. Murphy’s leadership produced a stunning record surplus. We’re now putting that money to good use for our children, our roads, our parks, and our police. America, New Jersey, and Paterson are back because of our collective action on behalf of the best state in the union!”

“While Paterson has faced its share of challenges, it continues to inspire leadership, innovation and creativity,” said Senator Nellie Pou, Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. Redevelopment efforts throughout the city are underway and continue to fuel Paterson’s rebirth. I am proud to have taken a leading role in securing funds for programs and initiatives that can help build back the city’s infrastructure even as we invest dollars into the lives of our young people who will carry the city’s resurgence forward.”

"We are proud of the investments the FY2023 budget makes into the City of Paterson," said Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly. "This funding is welcomed and the much-needed relief for our residents, historical sites and valuable programs. Paterson still faces many challenges in its recovery from the pandemic and the diverse aid will help to significantly move forward many of the efforts happening across the city."

"The aid to Paterson provided through the FY 2023 budget will go a long way to support efforts that will not only sustain communities but grow them," said Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter. "Specifically, the municipal aid funding is critical to help relieve the burden of property taxes on homeowners. Supporting local communities is an essential component to ensuring affordability for all in New Jersey."

"We are profoundly grateful to Governor Murphy for prioritizing Paterson and for the unprecedented level of state investment our city is set to receive," said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. "This significant infusion of funding will help us improve our parks, improve our infrastructure, and improve our quality of life."

“The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners thanks Governor Murphy for his continuous support to our County,” said Passaic County Commissioner Pat Lepore, the Commission Budget Chair. “The City of Paterson has seen many great improvements through the leadership of Mayor Andre Sayegh, and the Passaic County Commissioners look forward to seeing the continuation of that progress through this investment into one of our most densely populated municipalities.”

“I am appreciative of the Governor and his administration for understanding the importance of these critical programs,” said Rev. Dr. Randall M. Lassiter. “It is imperative that we continue to collectively support advocates and organizations in Paterson that are prioritizing the healing of our communities.”