U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $298.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) for 13 projects that will improve aging infrastructure, help ease daily commutes and generate jobs across the region.

"Mass transit in New Jersey is getting a massive boost today.  As more residents and commuters search for ways to escape congestion and traffic on our roads, this funding will help ensure that New Jersey has reliable and safe mass transit as an alternative to driving," said Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg. "This major investment of nearly $300 million will help modernize our state's transit infrastructure, improve reliability and create jobs."

In addition to the Mass Transit Tunnel Project, which received $130 million and consists of two new tunnels under the Hudson River and a new rail station underneath 34th Street in midtown Manhattan, this recovery money will also pay for bus, van and railcar purchases, as well as facility, track, and safety and bridge improvements throughout the system.

To date, the U.S. DOT has made $24.1 billion in Recovery Act funds available nationwide for over 7,400 projects.