Senator Britnee Timberlake Celebrates Major Milestone in Infrastructure Rehabilitation Efforts for East Orange Train Stations and Thanks All Coalition Partners

East Orange, NJ – May 29, 2024 – State Senator Britnee N. Timberlake proudly joined New Jersey Transit, Executive Director Kevin Corbett and executive team, the United States Department of Transportation, Congressional Members Mikie Sherill and Robert Menendez, East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green, and the East Orange City Council for a monumental announcement to repair and upgrade the East Orange Brick Church train station, which has long suffered from severe disrepair.

The East Orange train stations have been plagued by numerous issues, including crumbling concrete, severe leakage problems, and a lack of ADA accessibility. These conditions have posed significant safety hazards and inconveniencies to commuters, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive repairs and upgrades. Brick Church train station is the busiest in the city.

Since 2018, Senator Timberlake has been at the forefront of the fight to address the crumbling infrastructure, ensuring the safety and accessibility of our community’s transportation hubs. For six years, starting when she was a State Assemblywoman, she convened regular meetings with New Jersey Train to discuss necessary repairs, strategies for implementation, and plans to leverage funding. Through her unwavering dedication and leadership, the State of New Jersey has secured approximately $30 million, with an additional $83 million in matching funds provided by the federal government through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill spearheaded by Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.

Senator Timberlake expressed her pride, “Since 2018, I made a promise to our community: to repair the crumbling infrastructure of our train stations. Today, that promise is closer to becoming a reality!” said Senator Timberlake. “The federal government matched the over $30 million I secured at the state level, thanks to the collective efforts of coalition members such as East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green, City Councilwoman Naiima H. Fauntleroy, New Jersey Transit, and the dedicated citizens in our community.”

On the federal level, the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. played a pivotal role. As a Senior Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Rail Subcommittee, he introduced the INVEST in America Act, which laid the groundwork for the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This bipartisan legislation, co-authored by Congressman Payne, allocated an additional $83 million to our cause.

“In partnership with my dear friend, Congressman Payne, we worked tirelessly to address this critical community need. This was the last initiative of many that he and I worked on together. This feels like a dream come true. The only thing that could have been better is if he was here standing with us for the announcement. I wore his pin on my blouse to honor him,” Timberlake continued. “Let’s stay proactive and continue repairing our infrastructure before any tragedies occur – there is more work to be done.”

The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication. Senator Timberlake extends her heartfelt gratitude to all coalition members and partners who have contributed.

About State Senator Britnee Timberlake:

State Senator Britnee Timberlake has been a dedicated public servant since 2015, advocating for policies and initiatives that improve the lives of her constituents. Her commitment to infrastructure, education, and community development, women’s rights, housing, environmental, economic, and social justice continues to drive her legislative efforts. She represents District 34: Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley, and Orange.