Riley, Burzichelli & Coughlin Legislation Opens Rest Areas Up to Private Sponsorship, Easing Taxpayer Burden

Bill Would Potentially Cover Maintenance, Upkeep and Promotional Signage Costs of Roadside Stops

(TRENTON) - The Assembly Transportation Committee on Thursday approved legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Celeste M. Riley, John J. Burzichelli and Craig J. Coughlin that would provide an opportunity for sponsorship of certain public rest stops along state highways and alleviate the burden on taxpayers for the maintenance of these rest areas.

"This legislation authorizes a simple move that would potentially offer a great benefit to taxpayers," said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). "Covering the cost for upkeep of state highway rest areas may be minimal in ways but it is money that can add up over time. In this economy, every little bit we save would make a big difference in the long run."

"Thousands of people travel our state highways each year," said Burzichelli (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). "Extending the opportunity for sponsorship would be an asset to any corporation's marketing platform. And it also alleviates costs to our taxpayers which is a win in this economy."

"Offering sponsorship is an opportunity that would help business and industry in the state as well as relieve a burden on taxpayers," said Coughlin (D- Middlesex). "In these economic times, we should look for more ways such as this one to reduce costs where ever we can."

The bill (A-3461) would allow the New Jersey Department of Transportation, New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to enter into sponsorship agreements with private entities to exchange monetary compensation, accept products or services, or both from the private entity to be used for the maintenance and upkeep of the rest area. The bill also provides for acknowledgement signs to be placed on the highway in advance of the exit for a rest area and within rest area buildings.

The DOT, NJTA and SJTA would be required under the bill's provisions to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the program including, but not necessarily limited to: qualifications for private entities to participate in rest area sponsorship program; application requirements; terms for sponsorship agreements; and specifications for acceptable acknowledgement signs and acknowledgement sign placement.

The measure was released from the Assembly Transportation Committee and now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

On the Net:
The Assembly Democratic Office Web site
NJ Assembly Dems on YouTube
NJ Assembly Dems on Vimeo
NJ Assembly Dems on Facebook
NJ Assembly Dems on Twitter
NJ Assembly Dems e-mail alerts