The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has made a pivotal decision by approving $500,000 to expand the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program. This program is designed to aid small businesses adversely affected by detours from ongoing sinkhole repairs near Exit 34.
Expanding Eligibility for Greater Relief
Initially, this program was tailored for small businesses located specifically in Morris County, which were most severely impacted by the highway detours. However, the initial $5 million funding has quickly been allocated, prompting the NJEDA board to reevaluate and expand the eligibility criteria. Starting later this month, the application process will reopen, now allowing small businesses situated within five miles of Route 80’s Exit 34 in Wharton—regardless of the county—to apply.
Welcome News for Businesses in Hopatcong
Among those eligible for the grants are businesses in Hopatcong, Sussex County, which had previously been excluded from the program despite being within the five-mile radius of the sinkhole epicenter at Exit 34. These small businesses, having suffered from a downturn in sales due to the detours, will now have the opportunity to secure grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, making a substantial difference in their recovery efforts.
Application Details and Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being a small business or nonprofit with up to 50 full-time employees. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a negative financial impact of at least $1,000 for the first quarter of 2025. Importantly, businesses in Morris County that have already received a grant through this program will not be eligible to apply again when the reopening occurs.
Statements from Local Leadership
Governor **Phil Murphy** emphasized the necessity of this funding, stating, “Small businesses along Route 80 have faced tremendous challenges due to its closure over the past couple of months for ongoing sinkhole repairs. The additional $500,000 approved by the NJEDA Board for the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will provide urgently needed support for these businesses. We’re working quickly to get these resources out the door and into the hands of our local small business community.”
NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan added that since the program’s inception in April, over $1 million has already been distributed to small businesses within Morris County, with approvals continuing on a daily basis. The NJEDA is dedicated to ensuring that the newly approved funds effectively reach those businesses in dire need.
Community Support and Collaboration
Local legislators representing District 24, including Hopatcong, have voiced their appreciation for the NJEDA’s decision to extend relief beyond county borders, ensuring that all nearby businesses affected by the sinkhole repairs can benefit.
“Sinkholes don’t respect county or municipal boundaries, and neither should relief for small businesses,” declared Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (R-24). He further noted, “In speaking directly with CEO Tim Sullivan, he understood our concerns and was willing to work collaboratively with us on a helpful solution.”
Comments from Inganamort highlight the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses due to heavy traffic stemming from road repairs. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is a meaningful step in the right direction.”
