Town gets state grants for drainage, sidewalks

DOT funding to help township implement safety improvements.

By: Joseph Harvie
   South Brunswick has received two grants totaling $300,000 from the state Department of Transportation to use for roadway and drainage improvements
   The first grant, issued last week, was for $100,000 to make safety improvements to Kingston Lane; the second, issued earlier this week, was for $200,000 for drainage improvements on Ridge Road.
   Mayor Frank Gambatese said the township was thankful for the grants. He said the $300,000 total is close to a township tax point and will help with the budget next year.
   "We appreciate every dollar we can get from the state because we can use it," he said.
   He said the $100,000 would go to curb and sidewalk improvements on Kingston Lane.
   The $200,000 grant will be used to improve drainage on Ridge Road between Route 522 and Georges Road. It was part of a DOT program that provided 408 municipalities with a total of $67.5 million.
   Under the program, the DOT will provide those towns with 75 percent of the funding up front and will reimburse towns for the remainder after the work is completed, according to its press release.