Page 6 - midJersey Business - January 2015

{ MIDJerseyChamber.org }

President’s

Message

BUILDING BLOCKS

T

he start of a new year reminds us that it is prudent to look back on the past in

order to move forward. Our mid-Jersey economy has shown signs of tremen-

dous growth potential in large part due to our excellent infrastructure and
transportation networks. Facilities like Trenton-Mercer Airport, the Ham-

ilton train station, and the recently vastly improved Trenton Transit Center,
have made our region much more desirable for commerce.

These examples, along with our network of highways and bridges, are the foundation
of a transportation system which must satisfy the emerging patterns of consumer and

workforce behavior. In a recent study conducted by our MIDCED, we have learned that
a capital investment of $10 million for a public transportation project generates $30

million in business sales. Clearly, an eicient infrastructure is the key to the economic
success of a region. New Jersey needs to inance an infrastructure improvement pro-

gram which includes all modes of transportation in order to be competitive.
Our study is focused on an expansion of the Riverline Light Rail

Our mid-Jersey economy service and its impact on the city of Trenton, as well as the region
overall. The Capital Extension Plan of the Riverline would add 1.13
has shown signs of
miles to the route, which currently ends at the Trenton Transit Cen-
tremendous growth potential
ter, by extending it into the city and adding three additional station
in large part due to our stops: Trenton City Hall, Pedestrian Mall, and the State House. This

excellent infrastructure and expansion would get people to where they need to go in the Capital
City and potentially free up prime land for development.
transportation networks.
The Riverline has had tremendous efects on the towns and cities
along its route in helping to revive their areas, such as Roebling and

Riverside in Burlington County, as well as the City of Camden. With the Capital Extension Plan, we
expect an increase in real estate value, access to new job opportunities for Trenton area residents, and

new developments that will sustain and attract businesses to the Capital City.
Our nation’s transportation funds are running low, and every state has had to cut back on repairs and

road improvement projects since 2009. With projects to enhance our transportation hubs, our region
will continue to be attractive for business and a iscally responsible choice for growth and development.

Robert D. Prunetti

President + CEO
Robert@MIDJerseyChamber.org

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