Assemblywoman Aura Dunn Provides I-80 Update; New Relief Resources and Upcoming Info Sessions

by tapinto.net

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Route 80 continues to impact businesses and residents however there are now State and Federal Relief programs to those businesses impacted by the ongoing Route 80 crisis. According to officials, two lanes will open in May, and NJDOT is aiming for full restoration of all lanes by June 25th.

“Many local businesses have faced serious financial losses due to the traffic detours and extended construction timeline. I am pleased to share that both state grants and federal loans are now available to help support them during this difficult time”, said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn. “I will stay in close contact with state and local officials to ensure this critical project stays on track and that our communities and small businesses continue to receive the resources and support they need during this time”.

On April 9, the NJEDA Board officially approved the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program, confirmed Assemblywoman Dunn. The program will open later this month and offer grants between $1,000 and $15,000 for businesses and non-profits located within five miles of Exit 34 that experienced at least $1,000 in revenue loss during the first quarter of 2025.

Eligible applicants must have 50 or fewer full-time employees and be physically located in Morris County.

To help business owners navigate the process, NJEDA will host the following information sessions:

In-Person Info Session

• Monday, April 14th at 5:00 p.m. 

• Wharton Municipal Building, 10 Robert St., Wharton, NJ

• (Attendees are encouraged—but not required—to bring a laptop or tablet for application access.)

Virtual Info Sessions

• Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. – [Click here to join]

• Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 p.m. – [Click here to join]

For more information, call 844-965-1125 or visit www.njeda.gov.

Federal SBA Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans up to $2 million through its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. These loans include no payments and no interest for the first year and are available to eligible businesses in Morris and surrounding counties.

Business owners can apply at sba.gov/disaster or by calling 1-800-659-2955.

A Business Recovery Center has also been set up at the Wharton Municipal Building, and will be there through Saturday, April 12th.

• Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

“If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. I am here to help”, said Assemblywoman Dunn. “We have navigated through this emergency together and I remain with you every step of the way to get us moving again”.

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn can be reached by calling 973-206-1876 or by email at aswdunn@njleg.org

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