Sussex County Commissioners Denounce Violence at the Capitol Building

CONTACT:
January 12, 2021 Jennifer Jean Miller
862-273-5379
jenniferjeanmiller@gmail.com

(Newton, NJ) In the wake of the violence on Jan. 6 at the United States Capitol Building, the Sussex County Board of County Commissioners shared the following statement: "What we witnessed in our nation’s capital last week has no place in our nation. Violence in the wake of elections is unacceptable and threatens our institutions and values," stated Commissioner Deputy Director Anthony Fasano. "The challenges we face are best faced together.”

Commissioner Sylvia Petillo continued, “The violent actions that erupted at the Capitol Building were disturbing and absolutely frightening. Right now, there is so much tension surrounding this election that it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are all Americans. We should be proud and protective of what we have established and accomplished during our 245 years as a free Republic. Hopefully, moving forward we can put aside our differences, renew a united spirit, and remember...we all salute the same flag.”

“America has a long history of protest. It is a way for the citizens of the country to make their voices heard,” added Commissioner Herb Yardley. “But when it is combined with violence and destruction, it cannot be condoned.” “The violence on display at our nation’s Capitol Building is completely unacceptable,

and the loss of life horrifying,” stated Commissioner Director Dawn Fantasia. “We cannot condone violent protests, destruction of property, and blatant disregard for the rule of law, and must hold those who commit acts of violence accountable.”

Fantasia made reference to rallies and protests held across Sussex County, citing those political in nature, against racism, and in support of law enforcement. “Sussex County has been home to multiple rallies and protests spanning the past year, and not a single event ever escalated into violence of any kind, much less the type of violence we witnessed at the Capitol or in cities across the country this summer. This is a testament to the ideals and the standards the residents of our county hold ourselves to.

The right to free speech and to assemble peaceably is accompanied by the responsibility to exhibit behavior that ensures the safety of all persons and property, and I am proud that Sussex County proved

itself to be a shining example of how exercising our First Amendment rights should look.”

Sussex County Awarded Federal Grant of $500K to Replace Skylands Ride Minibuses, Other Projects Underway

Jennifer Jean Miller
862-273-5379
jenniferjeanmiller@gmail.com

(Newton, NJ) The County of Sussex recently received federal grant monies to upgrade its commuter minibuses, with other projects coming to life thanks to federal funding, including revival of the Lackawanna Cut-Off Passenger Rail Project, as well as county road improvements, through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

Tom Drabic, the principal transportation planner through the Sussex County Department of Engineering and Planning, credited Sussex County Freeholder Joshua Hertzberg, for his involvement and assistance in seeing these projects come to fruition. “He’s been very involved in the NJTPA,” Drabic said. He also mentioned the advocacy of State Sen. Steve Oroho, R-24th Dist. for his support of large-scale projects, with tax dollars from the State Transportation Trust Fund aiding in financing projects. “I just hope everyone understands the amount of advocating it takes to get this much work done for Sussex County,” said Hertzberg.

“I have been lucky enough to work with and learn from Tom Drabic at the county. He has been an amazing advocate of our county and continues to do a great job on all of our behalf. I’m very proud of the work we have done together, and am thankful that our District 24 Legislators, Steve Oroho, Hal Wirths and Parker Space, make sure that Sussex County isn’t left out in Trenton.”

Drabic said Sussex County’s minibus project, which was proposed and applied for by the Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services/Skylands Ride, was one of three chosen by the NJTPA for $500,000 grant funding, as part of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program for Local Mobility Initiatives.

Through that program, four of the Skylands Ride minibuses used for the Skylands Connect Route, which operates Monday through Friday to Newton, Sparta, Ogdensburg, Franklin, Hamburg and Sussex Borough, will likely be replaced, Drabic said. “This Route serves a number of employment locations within the county and is used by many people going to work,” Drabic said. The federal grant, Drabic said, should cover nearly the entire project, with little to no county funds required. The new minibuses, he said, will be handicap accessible with wheelchair lifts. They will also feature upgraded COVID protections, including plexiglass enclosures for bus drivers.

One of the other longtime projects that had been previously shelved, the Roseville Tunnel design and build project on the Lackawanna Cut-off, should be reality in the next few years, Drabic said. NJ Transit advertised for Request for Qualifications of firms capable of executing the design and construction phases of this complex project.

The historic and rocky Roseville Tunnel that served the Lackawanna Cut-Off from 1911 through 1979, will require excavation, waterproof lining, a pedestrian path within the tunnel, radio systems, cameras and other upgrades, to return it to current standards for passenger rail service, Drabic said. Firms that submit a RFQ will be short-listed, Drabic added, with those groups invited to submit a full proposal, chosen at NJ Transit’s board meeting in June.

In September, Drabic said the selected firm will be given the green light to move ahead with the project. Similar processes and schedules will follow for the Hudson Farm Culvert Replacement. Highway and bridge projects are additionally slated for Sussex County, Drabic said. One is the $12.8 million, federally funded Hardyston Route 23 Safety Improvement Project, with safety, drainage and operational improvements at the northern Laceytown Road, East Shore Road and Holland Mountain Road sections. Route 15 will also be upgraded, Drabic said, with replacement of the bridge in Lafayette over the Paulins Kill River, constructed in 1915.

This project, planned for completion by 2022 with $8.2 million in federal funds, will encompass sidewalk upgrades for pedestrian safety. A resurfacing project will be underway on Route 15 in Lafayette and Frankford, from Route 94 to Ross’ Corner by Route 206 and County Route 565, as part of the NJTPA Transportation Improvement Program for 2021. This project, expected to extend the life of the highway, will also be sourced from $7.3 million in federal funds. Drabic said Sussex County residents are welcome to offer their input for the NJTPA long range transportation plan, outlining goals through Plan 2050, by completing the survey at www.NJTPA.org.