FINNERTY, CURCIO AND RUSSO FOR FREEHOLDER

ATLANTIC GOP FREEHOLDERS PLEDGE FIGHT FOR STATE TRANSPORTATION AID FOR COUNTY FINNERTY, CURCIO AND RUSSO FOR FREEHOLDER

Release: Immediate, CONTACT: Atlantic County
Sept. 13, 2006 Republican Hdqs.
677-0707

The three Republican Atlantic County freeholders seeking re-election today pledged “continued vigilance and diligence� on the part of county government to assure that Atlantic County receives due consideration and fair treatment in any state assistance programs to improve and update its transportation system.

Freeholders Frank Finnerty, Jim Curcio and Tom Russo offered their comments at the conclusion of a community forum on the county’s transportation needs held at the Atlantic City Convention Center under the sponsorship of the Atlantic City Regional Mainland Chamber of Commerce, County government, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority.

The freeholders said the board would work closely with state government and its agencies to make certain the county’s needs are recognized and that state financial assistance is obtained to help meet those needs.

“With a county population of more than 270,000 and growing, county government faces challenges posed by sprawl, increased traffic congestion, and the potential threat to personal safety such congestion brings,� they said.

“Atlantic County is unique because of the multi-billion dollar casino industry which draws more than 37 million visitors each year, many of whom use local roads to arrive here,� the freeholders said. “We occupy a unique position as well because several municipalities have been designated as growth zones under the Pinelands Preservation Act, a situation which places added stress on the roads and bridges serving those communities and their neighbors.�

Finnerty, Curcio and Russo pointed to the most recent success, due in large measure to the work of State Sen. William Gormley and Assemblyman Frank Blee, in securing $5 million in state aid for the reconstruction of the Fire and Mill Road intersection in Egg Harbor Township, long considered one of the most dangerous intersections in the entire county.

“The current county budget,� they said, “sets aside $24 million for road and bridge improvements, roughly 15 per cent of the entire budget, and with road reconstruction costing $700,000 per mile and intersection upgrades costing $1 million each, the need for adequate funding is clear.�

The freeholders said the aggressive program of road and bridge improvements undertaken in 2005 throughout the county has improved capacity as well as safety for residents and visitors.

“This aggressive approach must continue,� they said, “because our continued economic growth rests upon a viable transportation system.�