NEW JERSEY MEADOWLANDS COMMISSION GRANTS:

MAGNET

The Meadowlands Area Grants for Natural and Economic Transformation (MAGNET) program is a five-year, $33 million financial plan that provides potential funding sources for programs for the 14 Meadowlands District municipalities, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.

 Under this program, the NJMC has provided millions of dollars in grants to District towns, as well as support for critical environmental research, habitat upgrade and underpinning for the Meadowlands regional job market. This helps to stabilize municipal property taxes, especially through the funding of various projects including equipment purchases, roadway and sidewalk repairs, ballfield upgrades, and flood control initiatives.

MAP 

The Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) is an initiative developed by the NJMC to assist District Municipalities. The NJMC’s Finance and Management Division reviews applications and disburses grants allotted by the Board of Commissioners to municipalities. The MAP was established to assist the 14 Meadowlands municipalities in providing a better quality of life for their residents while helping stabilize property taxes. Most of the MAP grants are funded by the MAGNET.

On or before October 15 of each year, the NJMC notifies municipalities of the funding level available for MAP grants. All grants are furnished on a reimbursable basis. The purpose of the program is to, wherever possible, provide property tax relief and funding for projects, programs and services that may not receive funding because of financial constraints on the municipalities. MAP grants may be used by a municipality for:

• Law enforcement vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and SUVs
• Ambulances
• Fire engines and firefighting equipment
• Accessories or equipment to support public safety and emergency management
• Public works equipment
• Improvements to recreational facilities and parks
• Improvements to roads and other infrastructure

Since the program began in December 2002, the NJMC has allocated $10 million in MAP funds throughout the Meadowlands District.

Some items supported by the MAP grants include:

• New fire, police and public works vehicles and equipment.
• A September 11 Memorial park in East Rutherford.
• Flood control and measures.
• New ballfields and other park improvements.
• Sidewalk, crosswalk and street light improvements.
• Replacement of damaged sewer pipes, manhole and inlet repairs, street resurfacing, and curb and sidewalk replacements.
• GIS Equipment and Software.

Brownfield Assessment Grants

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the NJMC a $200,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant. This assistance is available to enhance the environmental characterization of priority brownfield clusters in the District and make a significant contribution to find properties with redevelopment and revitalization potential. The NJMC is reviewing data sources to identify two to three priority brownfield clusters for characterization.