The New Jersey Department of Transportation issued $161.25 million in Fiscal Year 2020 County Aid grants to 21 counties throughout the Garden State on August 1 to help maintain local roads and bridge in a state of good repair.

Funded through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund, which is supported by the state’s gas tax, the grants are designed to keep transportation infrastructure in “good working condition,” according to a statement by Acting Governor Shelia Oliver (D), who is also commissioner of New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs.

“When people ask where does the money from the gas tax go, this is the answer: The majority of these funds go to local government to improve their roads and bridges without burdening local property taxpayers,” added New Jersey Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.

She noted that County Aid funds are apportioned based on population and road mileage in each county, with each county selecting the projects that receive funding.

Counties are required to submit eligible projects to the New Jersey DOT for approval prior to December 1, but the agency noted that a new law recently signed by Gov. Phil Murphy (D) requires the New Jersey DOT to inform counties of their allotments for the current fiscal year by July 31 so they can better plan future projects.