State and Community Highway Safety Grant

The State and Community Highway Safety Grant Project, administered through the New Jersey Office of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), is a federally funded initiative supported under the U.S. Highway Safety Act of 1966 (23 U.S.C. 402). This program is implemented under the oversight of the Governor of New Jersey and coordinated by the Department of Law and Public Safety. Its primary goal is to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes by providing funding for programs that promote traffic safety improvements across the state. The Office of Highway Traffic Safety prepares an annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP) which outlines the key traffic safety challenges and funding priorities throughout New Jersey. This plan guides the allocation of approximately $25 million in federal funds anticipated for the fiscal year 2027, covering October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. These funds support a wide range of programs administered by state agencies, local governments, and eligible nonprofit organizations. By law, at least 40% of the funding from certain federal sources must benefit local political subdivisions such as counties and municipalities. Funded projects under this program typically focus on core traffic safety priorities. These include addressing impaired and distracted driving, enhancing seatbelt and child restraint use, increasing enforcement of traffic laws, and improving safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Other eligible areas include improving emergency medical services, traffic records systems, and roadway safety infrastructure. The program also funds training for personnel involved in traffic safety and supports enhanced data collection and crash analysis capabilities. Applicants must propose a project that identifies a specific highway traffic safety problem, supported by data, and propose a plan that includes countermeasures, objectives, performance metrics, and a schedule. Proposals should align with federal priorities such as Alcohol and Other Drug Countermeasures, Police Traffic Services, Traffic Records, Speed Control, Motorcycle Safety, Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety, Roadway Safety, Occupant Protection, and Emergency Medical Services. All applications must be submitted through New Jersey’s SAGE (System for Administering Grants Electronically) portal. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. Funding decisions are expected by August 31, 2026, contingent upon the final federal budget appropriations. The Office reserves the right to modify award amounts or decline applications based on funding availability and alignment with the Highway Safety Plan. Grant agreements are strictly tied to the availability of federal and state funds and are not guaranteed to continue beyond the initial award period. Questions or requests for the Highway Safety Plan may be directed to the Office of Highway Traffic Safety at PO Box 048, Trenton, NJ 08625 or via telephone at (609) 633-9300. Programmatic updates, application guidance, and access to the SAGE portal are available online at www.njsaferoads.com.