Gov. Phil Murphy announced April 4 a new grant program to support businesses affected by the ongoing sinkhole repairs on Interstate 80 in Morris County.

As NJBIZ has reported, sinkholes have plagued the span of roadway at Exit 34 in Wharton. The collapses have caused road closures in both directions while crews work to repair them. NJDOT also launched a special webpage with repair updates and alternate routes/detours (available here). The latest timeline estimates (weather dependent) from the New Jersey Department of Transportation are:

• By May 4 – reopen two westbound lanes
• By May 18 – reopen two eastbound lanes
• By June 25 – all lanes reopened

Of course, the situation has had a major impact on local businesses in the area.

The $5 million Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will provide grants to businesses and nonprofits located in close proximity to the affected area. Created through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the NJEDA board will vote on the program’s approval next week.

Key program details include:

• Grants available to small businesses and nonprofits that have up to 50 full-time employees
• Applicants must certify a negative financial impact of $1,000 during the first quarter of 2025
• Expected to open applications by the end of the month (pending board approval)
• More updates to come on the NJEDA website and social media pages

‘Help is on the way’

In a press release announcing the program, Gov. Phil Murphy said it has been a grueling several weeks for Morris County businesses located off the Route 80 corridor. “From Wharton to Roxbury, small businesses have had fewer customers, resulting in a decline in sales and revenue,” he said. “I’m happy to announce today that help is on the way.”

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said the agency is committed to supporting small businesses during dire times like this.

“The NJEDA shares Gov. Murphy’s sense of urgency as we work to get critical funds to businesses most impacted by the Route 80 detours,” said Sullivan. “We look forward to launching the program, which will help relieve the financial burden on small businesses, allowing them to stay open and continue serving communities in Morris County.”

Looking out for small businesses

Leaders and lawmakers representing the area applauded the announcement.

“The ongoing lane closures on Route 80 have severely impacted small businesses in Morris County, causing a sharp decline in revenue for many that depend on steady customer traffic,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25th District. “These businesses are not just the backbone of our local economy – they are owned and staffed by our families, friends, and neighbors. Now, through no fault of their own, they are struggling to stay afloat. Thank you Gov. Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for working with us – recognizing this hardship and taking swift action by implementing the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program.”

“Small businesses are the heart of our Morris County communities, and they have borne the brunt of the Route 80 shutdown,” said Aura Dunn, R-25th District. “I am grateful to the NJEDA and Gov. Murphy for responding to our calls for help and launching this grant program. This critical support will provide real relief to business owners and working families as they fight to stay afloat. I look forward to continuing our bipartisan work to get these dollars out the door swiftly.”

“This $5 million initiative will provide much-needed relief to affected businesses, helping them weather the financial challenges caused by these prolonged repairs,” Bucco said.

More support

“These businesses have been severely impacted by the decline of revenues resulting from the closure of Route 80 and we appreciate their swift action in creating this program that offers them real relief,” said Wharton Mayor William Chegwidden. He also thanked the leaders and stakeholders at different levels of government for responding to the needs of the affected business owners. “This is government at its best – state, county, and local all working as a team.”

“These EDA grants will be a financial lifeline that will help small businesses and service organizations keep their doors open and continue to serve the residents of their communities,” said Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District.

Murphy also announced that this week the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Morris County, as well as the contiguous counties of Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.

The EIDLs are capped at $2 million. The financing serves as a working capital loan for organizations to meet their obligations during a disaster recovery period.

“The NJEDA’s planned grant program, paired with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, will inject much-needed capital into small businesses,” said Murphy. “We are committed to doing this as swiftly as possible to ease the burden on local businesses.”