The proposed Greater Newark Smart Port Regional Growth Cluster is both a supply chain accelerator and job multiplier that will spur short- and long-term economic development throughout the region.

It is also now one of 60 finalists in the $1 Billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge — meaning it is in contention to be awarded up to $100 million to be implemented in the project.

The proposed project, led by the city of Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology and a host of other coalition members (including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority), aims to transform the port facilities in Newark and Elizabeth by developing and implementing critical smart and resilient infrastructure through advanced engineering, innovative technologies for freight handling, transportation, tracking and delivery, and by supporting more efficient smart port operations to increase port capacity and security.

The proposed projects will create new jobs and business opportunities in a region with socioeconomically underprivileged communities while making a sustainable impact on the regional and state economy.

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