Dear Neighbor,

This week, as we honor our veterans and reflect on their service, we’re also taking strides to build a stronger, more resilient New Jersey—one worthy of their sacrifices. Our efforts to modernize rail infrastructure, protect our coastal waters, and restore critical ecosystems are all part of this commitment. From a $32 million investment in our rail systems to securing protections against offshore drilling and deploying innovative oyster castles in our bays, these initiatives are about creating safer, healthier communities for everyone. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

$32 Million to Modernize NJ’s Rail Infrastructure

Today, I’m proud to announce a transformative $32 million federal-state investment to modernize key rail infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor in New Jersey. This funding addresses critical, long-standing issues that have frustrated commuters for years, including:

Catenary Wire Modernization: $13.4 million to upgrade aging catenary systems along a 23-mile stretch from Trenton to Newark—much of it right in our district. These upgrades will replace nearly 90-year-old infrastructure, improving reliability and reducing service disruptions.

Signal System Upgrades: $18.6 million to modernize signals between County and Elmora interlockings over 26 miles, increasing train throughput, speed, and reducing bottlenecks.

This investment goes beyond fixing old systems—it’s about giving commuters back their time, reducing delays, and providing safer, faster, and more efficient service. I’ll keep pushing for further modernization and holding Amtrak, NJ Transit, and federal agencies accountable to prioritize New Jersey’s needs.

Protecting Our Coastal Waters from Offshore Drilling

Today, I sent a letter to President Biden urging him to permanently protect our coastal waters from the risks of offshore drilling by using his authority under Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. This is about more than safeguarding our environment; it’s about protecting our local economies, public health, and coastal communities from the dangers of oil spills, abandoned wells, and hazardous infrastructure.

Since 2014, every administration has used this authority to shield critical areas. It’s time to make these protections permanent to preserve our coastlines and communities for generations to come.

Restoring Our Bays 

This week, we marked a milestone in revitalizing the Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays with the deployment of 80 seeded oyster castles at Naval Weapons Station Earle—an initiative made possible by federal funds I secured. These oyster castles create a living shoreline that boosts marine biodiversity, improves water quality, and helps mitigate flooding and erosion.

This project builds on Monmouth University’s aquaculture facility upgrades and demonstrates how federal investment, science, and local collaboration can strengthen New Jersey’s coastal resilience. More expansions are planned for 2025, ensuring continued progress for our coastal communities.

Click here to visit my website or call my offices directly if you have questions or need help with a federal agency:

Middlesex County: 732-249-8892

Monmouth County: 732-571-1140

Sincerely, 

Congressman Pallone