Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement today regarding the new Essex-Hudson Greenway state park project. Last Friday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the state would purchase nearly 135 acres in North New Jersey to create a new state park for the first time in 15 years. The $65 million project would replace nine miles of unused railroad line with a new biking and hiking path as well as environmental protections for the local wetlands. When completed, the new park will pass through the cities of Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Jersey City, Kearny, Montclair, Newark and Secaucus.
“This is great news and I applaud Governor Murphy’s leadership to buy this land and build this park. For years, these railroad tracks have occupied land that could be used to beautify several local communities. The unused tracks have caused environmental problems and prevented the state from taking needed steps to protect wetlands from issues such as wastewater overflow. Now, there will be a walking and biking trail in that location to allow my constituents to enjoy nature throughout the 10th Congressional District. In addition, it will enhance and protect the local wetlands to lower pollution.”
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