Lakewood Township will be receiving a $550,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to help pay for planned road improvements on East 9th Street, East 7th Street and 6th Street.

The $557,628.00 is part of $161.25 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Municipal Aid grants announced by the Murphy administration going to a total of 543 cities and towns across the state, which will be used to advance road, bridge, safety, and quality-of-life improvements.

“Having a safe, efficient, and equitable transportation system in New Jersey includes making sure the State does its part to help municipalities improve local infrastructure,” Governor Murphy said in a statement.

“These funds enable our communities to undertake transportation projects that significantly improve the quality of life for New Jersey residents without the need to use property tax dollars. I look forward to seeing these dollars in action and congratulate all municipal grant recipients.

Jackson Township will be receiving $370,645 for improvements to Bethel Church Road, while Toms River will receive $303,255 to elevate South Lagoon Road, Heron Road and Johnson Road.

The Department encouraged municipalities to consider using the Municipal Aid Program to fund projects that support safety, walking, and biking in their communities. This year 5 percent of the grants represent this type of non-traditional project.

Under the Municipal Aid grant program, each county is apportioned a share of the total funding based on population and the number of local centerline miles. Municipalities compete for portions of their county’s share. NJDOT provides 75 percent of the grant amount when a town awards a contract and the remaining 25 percent upon completion of the project. Of the $161.25 million, $10 million is allotted for municipalities qualifying for Urban Aid as defined under state law, with the amounts determined by the Department of Community Affairs.