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NEWTON — Sussex County’s transit system, Skylands Experience, might be getting $500,000 for as many as 5 new buses for its scheduled and on-call ridership.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) made the announcement Tuesday as a part of his effort to “claw again” federal funds for his district which stretches throughout the northern tier of New Jersey counties. The congressman mentioned his effort is to assist counties and cities get again a number of the cash which in any other case would go to “moocher” states which get extra in federal funds than their residents pay in federal taxes.
His workplace mentioned that in 2021, the federal tax {dollars} clawed again quantity to a median financial savings of greater than $750 for every family within the Fifth District.
Gottheimer was joined within the information convention by new County Administrator Ron Tappan, Christine Florio, administrator of the Division of Well being and Social Companies, which operates Skylands Experience, and Newton Councilman Matthew Dickson.
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Skylands Ride gives public transportation for seniors, veterans, disabled residents, residents in search of work, or residents making an attempt to get to and from jobs, post-secondary schooling, or profession and technical coaching.
Florio mentioned the county has a fleet of 25 buses, a few of which have greater than 250,000 miles on them and have gotten dated and unreliable.
The $500,000 federal grant will present 5 new prolonged cutaway buses, every of which incorporates house for sixteen passengers plus two wheelchairs.
The Workplace of Transit gives greater than 65,000 rides every year to Sussex residents via each public transportation and paratransit companies. The out there companies embody assisted transportation and employment transportation, to transportation for disabled residents, veterans, and senior residents to get to buying, medical appointments and different wanted companies.
There’s additionally a scheduled bus route from the Sussex Borough space via Hamburg, Franklin, Ogdensburg, Sparta and into Newton.
Gottheimer mentioned, “Sadly, right here in Sussex County, many residents — together with seniors, veterans, disabled residents, and people in search of work — have hassle attending to and from job alternatives, grocery and retail shops, docs’ appointments, and extra.”
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He mentioned he labored with county officers on what their wants are and was in a position to get the direct federal support for the buses.
“There’s nothing extra essential on this job than my accountability to have the backs of those that have served our nice nation and our seniors who’ve made invaluable contributions to our group,” the congressman mentioned.
Along with the common bus route and in-county rides for companies, Skylands Experience additionally gives as-needed transportation for seniors, veterans and different eligible residents, similar to veterans companies to out-of-county VA services in East Orange, Morristown and Lyons and Fort Level, N.Y.
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