TrueNorth – Spring 2025 Edition

On Wednesday, April 23, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) took positive action that keeps Attentive Energy’s project advancing toward important project milestones.  Specifically, the Board approved a limited Motion to Stay that extends two project deadlines by one year.

BPU’s decisive action recognizes that several variables are creating uncertainty for wind energy projects and grants Attentive the flexibility needed to continue its work.  BPU’s approval underscores New Jersey’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions and the role Attentive Energy will play to achieving a cleaner and greener future.  At a time when New Jersey is facing an energy crisis and all sources of generation must be considered, BPU's action keeps the Attentive project moving forward.

The Attentive Energy offshore wind farm will deliver clean power, economic opportunities, and quality of life improvements to all New Jersey residents. It will power more than 650,000 homes and generate $3.1 billion in economic activity statewide. It will invest $105 million back into New Jersey communities. And it will invest another $30 million in environmental and fisheries initiatives.

BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy has expressed New Jersey's unwavering support for offshore wind development.  She recently stated "The Board is committed to advancing offshore wind projects that will bring clean energy and economic benefits to New Jersey. The success [of these projects] demonstrates our dedication to achieving a sustainable future for our state".

We want to commend the dedicated professional staff of the BPU for its continued dedication to this important work in the face of adversity. We also want to thank BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy for her steady leadership during challenging times.  She is a leader who strives to reach consensus, considers all viewpoints, and ensures that BPU bases decisions on data, science, and facts.

Lastly, we respectfully push back on the blame being assigned BPU for the serious energy challenges facing New Jersey including a generation crisis and skyrocketing rates for utility customers.  In fact, BPU under Guhl-Sadovy's leadership is providing thought leadership and ratepayer advocacy; it is working to advance projects that will address the generation crisis, fuel our economy, and address the worst effects of climate change.

The annual Thunder Road Golf Outing has reached full capacity with 248 golfers confirmed to participate. This annual event, which is hosted by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACECNJ), and the Utility & Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey, has a rich history dating back to the Turnpike Authority's 6-9 Widening Program.  The outing was originally established to foster closer team cohesion between the Authority and the 17 contractors, 327 subcontractors, 5 construction management firms, and countless others responsible for delivering this $2.5 billion, 35-mile long infrastructure program.

ACECNJ is proud to organize and run this signature annual event. The outing is set to take place on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Participants can look forward to a day of golf on two of New Jersey’s most storied courses; awards for the longest drive, closest to the pin, hole-in-one, and team scores; door prizes; silent auction; luncheon and awards ceremony; and great networking with colleagues, Turnpike Authority professionals, and special guests.

Thunder Road also plays an important charitable role.  A Contribution will be made to The Survivors of the Triangle, and attendees are encouraged to bring a children's book to the golf outing for donations to New Jersey children's hospitals.

NorthStar Strategies is proud to run ACECNJ and represent the interests of the engineering profession.  Joe Fiordaliso has served as ACECNJ President since 2010.  NorthStar leverages the expertise of several of the firm’s practice areas to provide conscientious and professional management of all ACECNJ operations.  NorthStar’s Events Management practice has a proven record of well-executed meetings and conventions of all sizes around the United States.

For more information about ACECNJ activities, please visit its website or contact Gabrielle Liguori.

It was just a few short weeks ago that we watched and applauded as NJ TRANSIT and BLET shook hands and agreed to an 8-year contract for the approximately 500 locomotive engineers responsible for operating NJ TRANSIT’s rail fleet. The divide between the two parties was bridged largely through the efforts of new CEO Kris Kolluri to engage BLET leadership in good faith and doggedly pursue an agreement to avert a May 15 work stoppage that would have devastating consequences for New Jersey and our region.

The joint statement from Kolluri and BLET General Chairman Thomas Haas on March 10^th should have been the end of a long-simmering dispute, with a ratification vote from BLET’s membership a pro forma hurdle.  Unfortunately, that vote failed in spectacular fashion two weeks ago when BLET’s leadership was unable to secure the necessary approval from its own rank & file.

Negotiations have entered a new and precarious phase, with NJ TRANSIT actively contingency planning in the event of a May 15 work stoppage and BLET issuing a new set of demands.  Kolluri outlined those plans yesterday, with a heavy focus on transporting essential workers and strongly encouraging all others to work from home.  During his briefing, Kolluri emphasized a strike, which would be the first since the 1980s, would “destroy the lives of 350,000 residents and riders.”

According to NJ TRANSIT, BLET’s newest demands would cost $684 million more than what was agreed to in March.  This would require a 17% fare increase starting in FY2026; an increase in the Corporate Transit Fee by 27%; or deep service cuts. A BLET strike would also cost New Jersey taxpayers $4 million per day to provide limited alternative service for riders.  Find more facts about the current state of affairs here.

The Corporate Transit Fee aims to provide a dedicated funding stream for NJ TRANSIT, particularly to cover operating expenses and meet matching funds required for federal grants.  ACECNJ has supported the Corporate Transit Fee as a way to reduce and eliminate the irresponsible practice of siphoning capital dollars to plug operating deficits.  BLET’s current demands would overwhelm NJ TRANSIT’s operating budget and force renewed reliance on the transfer of capital to operating.  This practice has deprived NJ TRANSIT’s capital budget of over $650 million in the last two fiscal years alone.  BLET’s newest demands would jeopardize vital repairs to the inventory of tracks, catenary and stations that keep NJ TRANSIT’s system safe and in a state of good repair.  These demands are irresponsible and should be rejected outright.

BLET’s failure to ratify the agreement plunges our entire region into a state of uncertainty.  The urgency of timely ratification cannot be overstated. It is crucial to ensure the continued reliability and quality of rail service in New Jersey. Delays in ratification could disrupt service and negatively impact the lives of 164,000 commuters who rely on NJ TRANSIT each day.  A strike could result in a substantial economic impact on business, with daily revenue losses estimated at $1.3 million.

American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey President Joe Fiordaliso issued a statement earlier this week commending Kolluri’s efforts and pointing out the serious financial consequences for NJ TRANSIT of BLET’s newest demands. Fiordaliso's concerns were echoed by a number of other industry stakeholders and business groups who recognize the potential impact of a strike on the region's economy and daily commuters.

Negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of dire fiscal projections for public transit across the country. Bloomberg is reporting that the largest transit operators are facing a $6 billion shortfall, a crisis that will impact every facet of operations including service, reliability, and capital investment.

As negotiations continue, Kolluri remains steadfast in his efforts to engage BLET leadership in good faith and pursue an agreement that balances the needs of NJ TRANSIT and its employees. His leadership is crucial in navigating this complex situation and ensuring that NJ TRANSIT can maintain its commitment to providing reliable and affordable transportation services to the public.

NorthStar Strategies has built a thriving Public & Community Outreach practice since opening its doors in 2016 and the firm is a highly sought teaming partner for public infrastructure projects throughout New Jersey.

Establishing this practice area was part of the vision developed by founders Joe Fiordaliso and Jody Herkloz.  They have assembled a team of respected professionals committed to delivering successful outcomes for teaming partners and clients.  NorthStar is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) registered with the State of New Jersey; it is cost-basis approved and meets Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) required for work on federally-funded projects; and consistently scores 100% for public outreach on technical proposal solicitations.  Not Surprisingly, NorthStar is under contract on numerous public infrastructure projects and is teamed on many other pursuits.

The practice is managed by Denise Peck, who joined NorthStar following a distinguished 36-year career with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). Denise is respected throughout the industry and within NDJOT and is presently supporting efforts to deliver numerous active projects.

"NorthStar is committed to delivering exceptional results and fostering strong community relationships,” said Peck.  “We do this by employing industry best practices and adopting a boots-on-the-ground approach that prioritizes frequent and regular interaction with the public and stakeholders.”

Deb Hirt serves as a Community Engagement Representative within the practice. Deb has been instrumental in fostering community relations and ensuring effective communication between project stakeholders and the public. During a 25-year career with NJDOT Deb led community outreach efforts for some of the most complex projects in recent memory, including the Route 4 & 17 Interchange Reconstruction, the I-78 Weigh Station, and the Route 206 Bypass.

Manuel Olaya is an experienced community outreach professional who adds a multi-lingual dimension to NorthStar’s Public & Community Outreach practice. Manuel provides translation services and brings an engaging demeanor to the firm’s scope of work.

Jody Herkloz, NorthStar's Chief Operating Officer, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the practice. Jody's strategic vision and operational expertise have been pivotal in driving the firm's outreach efforts. Jody's relevant project experience includes the Route 35 Reconstruction project.

Public & Community Outreach is an essential component of complex infrastructure projects. It involves engaging with residents, community groups, elected officials, businesses, and the media to ensure effective communication and foster strong community relationships. This outreach helps to relieve disruption in host and surrounding communities and builds support for successful project outcomes.

On federally funded infrastructure projects, Public & Community Outreach is a required scope because it ensures that the project is delivered on-time and on-budget while addressing the concerns and needs of the community. It helps to maintain transparency, gain public support, and mitigate any potential issues that may arise during the project's execution.