Two towns - one in Salem County, one in Gloucester County - will receive a total of $500,000 for local infrastructure projects, Third District officials announced Thursday.

Two towns will share a grant

The funding, from the state Department of Transportation's Local Aid Infrastructure program, will provide $300,000 to upgrade Grant Avenue in Franklin, and $200,000 for sidewalk reconstruction in Quinton.

"These are important projects for the local communities and their residents," said Senate President Steve Sweeney in a press release. "The resurfacing and widening of Grant Avenue is needed to accommodate bus and truck traffic, and the reconstruction of sidewalks in Quinton is needed for pedestrian safety and convenience."

Assembly Deputy Speaker John J. Burzichelli also stressed the importance of the projects.

"State support will help get the work done and ease the financial burden for the towns and local taxpayers," he said in a press release. "Local governments such as Franklin and Quinton want to make infrastructure repairs and improvements but they need support such as these two grants."

Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro added it's important to maintain and improve the local infrastructure for residents' safety and convenience.

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