New Jersey is getting a new tranche of federal money to clean up Brownfield sites, land that was previously used mostly for industrial purposes and may have been contaminated.

During a visit to Asbury Park on Thursday, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J. 6th District, said the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Biden last year provides New Jersey with $6.5 million of the $1.5 billion in funding.

“It’s important not only because we clean up the sites but we also put people to work cleaning up the sites," Pallone said. "And then the idea is the sites are then used for other purposes, either for commercial business purposes or for parks."

An economic boost

He said rather than having a Brownfield site just site there, “it gets cleaned up and it can then be used for other things, and all of that creates an economic boost for the area.”

He noted since the Brownfields program began, 34,000 sites have been revitalized nationwide, opening up 144,000 acres for development, parks and recreation.

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“For every dollar that we spend in the Brownfields program, there’s a return of $20," Pallone said.

Who gets what

A total of $500,000 will got to clean up Brownfield sites in Asbury Park where four commercial and residential properties have sat vacant for two decades after being in use for a century.

Additionally, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will receive $2 million for Brownfield cleanup projects in Perth Amboy, Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Jersey City, Millville, Paterson, and Trenton.

The Camden Redevelopment Agency will get $3.5 million in Brownfield cleanup money, and Hamilton Township will receive $500,000.

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

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