QUESTION
New Jersey is flush with monies for infrastructure projects. Which infrastructure projects should be prioritized in our efforts to ReNew Jersey and, as we dig new tunnels, create new energy sources, expand mass transit, and build new roads, will businesses be impacted by new taxes or regulations aimed at protecting the environment?
RECOMMENDATIONS
- In anticipation of an influx of federal dollars, state regulatory agencies should be fully staffed to adequately manage the process of responding to applications for funds. Increase the transparency of this process; perhaps establish an infrastructure czar or oversight board.
- Involve businesses to improve the collaboration between state, county and local levels to reduce duplication.
- Prioritize shovel-ready projects with a regional impact, such as roads and highways between ports and distribution centers. Establish a coalition between business, environmentalists and government to prioritize these projects.
- Invest in sewer and water systems.
- Close the digital divide by paving the way for companies to invest in broadband and eliminate New Jersey’s “broadband deserts.”
PANELISTS
- Jeffrey Kanige (moderator), Editor, NJBIZ
- Gary Dahms, President, CEO & Chairman of the Board, T&M Associates
- Mark Mroczynski, Vice President, Construction & Design Services, FirstEnergy
- Braxton Plummer, Director of State Government Affairs, Verizon
- Dennis Toft, Member of the Firm, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC