Bayonne Mayor Davis talks Turnpike 14A, Bayonne Bridge, $56M ship-to-rail facility

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis discussed NJ Turnpike 14A improvements, the Bayonne Bridge construction, a $300,000 city investment for parks and a $56 million ship-to-rail facility at the Hudson County Alliance for Action breakfast.

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“I’m committed making sure that Bayonne is never caught off-guard by what lays ahead of us. And, I’m committed to strategically investing in our future by focusing on common sense solutions here and now.”

Davis first explained the progress of two major regional infrastructure projects.

The New Jersey Turnpike’s Interchange 14A project “represents a $310 million investment in roadway infrastructure,” symbolizing a commitment to commerce and economic development.

“I am happy to say that the 14A project will reach its next major milestone in the coming days ahead of schedule. The project in its entirety is scheduled for completion in fall of 2018.”

The Port Authority’s Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project, located on the southernmost point of the city also “represents an over $1.3 billion investment in bridge and transportation infrastructure.

“This project will allow our waterways to accommodate larger ships entering our ports, translating to increased commerce.”

The completed of the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project is now anticipated in 2019.

On the local level, Davis stressed that parks and recreation are “a huge part of what gives a community its identity.”

Last fall, the Davis Administration completed a multi-million dollar renovation to Don Ahern Veterans Memorial Stadium, a multi-use facility complete with new turf baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and multipurpose fields.

Bayonne also opened it’s first playground built specifically for children with special needs this past October. A quarter-million dollar grant from the Hudson County Open Space Fund helped fund this project

And in December, the Richard L. Korpi Ice Rink reopened after nearly $2M in reconstruction.

Davis also shared that his administration took an aggressive roads program, investing nearly “$2 million locally, allowing us to reconstruct or resurface upwards of 40 to 50 blocks of aging local infrastructure.”

70 percent of the $2 million was secured through grant funding.

As for the future plans for local infrastructure, the Davis administration has plans for a $56 million investment in a new ship-to-rail facility to further promote economic activity and reduce truck traffic.

There are also plans to invest $300,000 in revitalizing 3 city parks, including the large waterfront park.

Davis closed his remarks explaining how he will work side by side with unions during all the infrastructure developments in Bayonne.

“We have a lot of work to do. And when it comes to our unions, I made my commitment to you. We will work side by side because what you see going on in Hudson County is what’s going to start going on here in Bayonne.”