Governor Phil Murphy and DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette Give Update on New Jersey's Record-Breaking Dry Spell and Wildfire Response

As New Jersey continues to experience historically low precipitation, above-average temperatures, and deteriorating water-supply conditions, Governor Phil Murphy and DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced the State is declaring a Drought Warning and gave an update on the significant increase in wildfires over last year. As New Jersey enters the next stage in severity of water-storage conditions, officials strongly encouraged the public to reduce water use during a virtual press conference.

Firefighters across New Jersey are battling a number of wildfires during a record-breaking dry spell that is affecting the entire Northeast. Since early October, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires, a more than 1,300% increase in wildfires over the same period last year. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has deployed the State's All-Hazards Incident Management Team to supplement operations. The Jennings Creek wildfire, burning along New Jersey’s border with New York, claimed the life of New York State parks system employee Dariel Vasquez as he fought the fire on Saturday.

Since the start of the year, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres. The average number of fires per year since the year 2000 is 1,071 wildfires and 4,000 acres burned. As a result of the extremely dry conditions, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. These restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place.
 
Commissioner LaTourette signed an Administrative Order authorizing the Drought Warning designation, which is the next stage of drought after a Water Supply Drought Watch. DEP announced Drought Watch status in mid-October, following a period of prolonged dry conditions. A Drought Warning enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers in order to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers. 

“New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions—as a result of climate change—that require us to take these precautionary measures now,” Governor Murphy said. “It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide.”

“Climate change is driving our record low precipitation and above-average temperature recorded statewide in September and October,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “This combination of events has resulted in decreased streamflow and groundwater levels, which harms our available water supplies. Taking these measures now and encouraging reduced water use will help provide some measure of protection from the weather uncertainty we face entering winter.”

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Statement from Governor Murphy Opposing New York’s Congestion Pricing Plan

Following the relaunch of New York's congestion pricing plan, Governor Murphy released the following statement: 

“I am firmly opposed to any attempt to force through a congestion pricing proposal in the final months of the Biden Administration. All of us need to listen to the message that voters across America sent last Tuesday, which is that the vast majority of Americans are experiencing severe economic strains and still feeling the effects of inflation. There could not be a worse time to impose a new $9 toll on individuals who are traveling into downtown Manhattan for work, school, or leisure.

“New Jersey has never been meaningfully consulted on the design of this plan, either in its initial iteration or the version that was announced. Perhaps that is because this effort has always simply been a way to take money from the pockets of New Jersey residents to bail out the MTA from a mountain of debt.

“I have consistently expressed openness to a form of congestion pricing that meaningfully protects the environment and does not put unfair burdens upon hardworking New Jersey commuters. Today’s plan woefully fails that test.

“I urge Governor Hochul to reconsider the plan, and I urge all elected officials in the region — including those set to take office in January — to speak out against this proposal. Meanwhile, my administration will continue the fight to block this plan in court.”

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Acting Governor Tahesha Way Announces Launch of Bringing Veterans Home Initiative

Acting Governor Tahesha Way announced the launch of Bringing Veterans Home (BVH), an initiative led by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). Acting Governor Way made the announcement during the State Veterans’ Day Ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Museum in Holmdel.

More than $30 million in State and federal funds has been committed to fund services and interventions over a two-year period to help place more than 1,000 homeless veterans in New Jersey in stable housing. This is the first time veteran service organizations in New Jersey will formally partner with the State in the fight against unsheltered veteran homelessness. This effort will be led by DCA’s Office of Homelessness Prevention via a dedicated data and project management team in partnership with DMAVA.

“We must always take the time to express our gratitude and honor the bravery and selflessness of our veterans,” said Acting Governor Way. “The courageous men and women who have served our country should never bear the weight of homelessness. Our Administration is committed to connecting veterans with the resources they need for the housing they deserve.”

“New Jersey veterans deserve our utmost respect and support—after serving our country, they should never worry about where they will sleep at night,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “My Administration is proud to partner with our veteran service organizations to invest in the fight against veteran homelessness and ensure that it will be rare and brief in New Jersey.”

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Statement from Governor Murphy on $300 Million in Federal Funding for Improvements to NJ TRANSIT

Following the announcement of $300 million in federal funding for NJ TRANSIT, Governor Murphy released the following statement: 

“This $300 million in grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration will bring needed enhancements to Amtrak’s infrastructure, which will improve reliability for NJ TRANSIT riders and will also be transformational for Penn Station, which is the gateway between New Jersey and New York. 

“Since I took office, I have been committed to improving NJ TRANSIT. But state investments alone are insufficient, as we rely on tracks shared with Amtrak. 

“I’m proud to announce that this funding will help us improve resiliency along the most heavily traveled rail line in the country—allowing for upgrades that will increase the speed and the volume of trains and improve infrastructure that is more than a century old, including the catenary overhead wire systems that are prone to failures. 

“Thank you to the Biden Administration and New Jersey’s congressional delegation for working alongside us to secure this funding.”

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Governor Murphy, Governor Hochul, and Port Authority Propose Reduced Fare Program For Passengers With Disabilities on Path Commuter Rail

Governor Phil Murphy, Governor Kathy Hochul, and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the proposal of a new reduced fare program for customers with disabilities using the PATH system. The 50 percent fare reduction would match the reduced fare program currently available for senior riders. If approved, riders could begin applying for the program in spring 2025, with the reduced fare implemented in the summer as PATH continues rolling out its TAPP tap-to-pay system.

“In New Jersey, we have pursued a whole-of-government approach to empowering residents with disabilities, and we have witnessed how targeted services and supports can help an individual to thrive in their community,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “Public transportation is crucial to our disability community — enabling countless individuals who may not be able to operate a vehicle to get to work, school, health care appointments, social services, and social gatherings. Today’s proposed PATH fare reduction would build on our work to ensure our public transportation infrastructure is inclusive and reliable for all commuters.” 

“Easy access to convenient, reliable and affordable public transportation is a basic right that everyone should be able to enjoy,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “With this new fare reduction for people with disabilities proposed by New Jersey Governor Murphy, the Port Authority and myself, I’m confident we are making that right to transportation even easier to enjoy.” 

The proposed reduced fare program is another step in the Port Authority’s agenda to continue improving the PATH system. Those efforts have included the PATH Improvement Plan, which aimed to increase the system’s capacity and reduce delays through new railcars, signal upgrades and track work. PATH riders have also enthusiastically taken to the new TAPP fare payment system, providing a seamless payment option with the tap of a contactless debit/credit card, smartphone or wearable device. Comprehensive work is also ongoing around the $430 million PATH Forward program, which focuses on improving the speed, reliability and passenger experience on the system.

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