NJ TRANSIT APPROVES FUNDING FOR HOBOKEN FERRY TERMINAL

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The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved more than $8 million toward the Hoboken Ferry Terminal’s first phase of repair and rehabilitation.

In the first phase, the terminal’s substructure and superstructure will be repaired and bolstered. The rehabilitation will include the installation of new piles and pile caps, repairs to roof trusses, concrete and steel beams and repairs to existing copper facades, roofs, walls and windows. The first phase is scheduled to begin this spring and end in spring 2005.

“The Hoboken Terminal is the gateway between New Jersey and New York for many New Jerseyans and visitors,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Jack Lettiere. “The rehabilitation of this historic facility, coupled with the restoration of the original ferry slips, are critical steps to improve this access.”

“In a post-9/11 era, having a truly intermodal system is critical to this region,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George Warrington. “This vital station rehabilitation is a cornerstone of our back to ‘Back to Basics’ program,” he said

The Board authorized the following contracts for the first phase at today’s meeting:

· The lowest responsive bidder for the terminal’s structural and façade repairs.

· A $315,000 contract amendment wit STV Inc. of New York City for construction assistance services.

· An $862,000 contract amendment with Tishman Construction of Newark for construction management services.

In the second phase, ferry service will be restored into the original ferry terminal. Project work will include dredging, structural repairs, the installation of a barge and ramp and a new air-conditioned waiting area for customers. The second phase is expected to begin in spring 2005 and end in spring 2007.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing bus, rail and light rail services for 752,600 daily trips on 238 bus routes, two light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 162 rail stations, 29 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.