Rep. Andrews Announces $18.5 Million Federal Transportation Grant, Creates Thousands of South Jersey Jobs 

Washington, DC—Earlier this week Congressman Andrews joined Congressman LoBiondo, county officials, and local business leaders to announce that 1,700 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent jobs are coming to South Jersey as a result of an $18.5 million federal grant from the Department of Transportation. The grant will be used to repair and upgrade the Delair Bridge that links the rail network between Pennsauken and Philadelphia.  Congressman Andrews voted to fund the competitive grant program this past April, and also advocated to the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, to bring some of those jobs and federal dollars home to South Jersey.  The project is estimated to begin construction in the summer of 2012.

The Delair Bridge is a vital connection to major transportation networks, but it is in dire need of an upgrade to meet the growing traffic demands and the needs of our local freight industry.  The improvements will provide a huge economic boost to Salem County, Paulsboro, and Camden. Paulsboro is targeted to serve as a major manufacturing hub for energy-producing windmills. With this additional rail capacity, much of the steel for these items and many of the assembled components themselves can be shipped to the region from factories in Pennsylvania and Delaware rather than imported from overseas.  This project will support thousands of new clean energy jobs here in South Jersey by supporting the growing demand for alternative energy systems.

“Americans need jobs, and to make job creation a reality elected officials need to put aside their political differences and focus on the urgent need to create work,” said Congressman Andrews.  “Today’s announcement is an example of how a focused bipartisan effort can result in more jobs and more opportunities for our region.”

Congressman Andrews thanked Congressman LoBiondo for his help and support as well as Secretary LaHood and the Obama administration for their investment in South Jersey’s infrastructure. As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, Congressman Andrews will continue to work hard in Washington to make sure that South Jersey continues producing jobs and remains a great place to do business.

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