WSW Secures 9/11 Recovery Funding for New Jersey
In Brief
- Secured hundreds of millions of dollars in critical 9/11 recovery funding for mass transit, port security, and first responder communications by designing and executing a rapid, bipartisan congressional strategy.
- Translated crisis-response success into a long-term state representation, consistently delivering major appropriations by leveraging deep relationships and strategic expertise.
- Delivered significant funding above and beyond formulaic shares, including over $100 million for transportation infrastructure and protecting $190 million for critical Army Corps projects in a single fiscal year.
In the critical period following the September 11th attacks, WSW was hired by the State of New Jersey to secure its share of federal recovery funding. With Congress already deliberating on aid for New York City, WSW developed and executed a rapid, bipartisan strategy that assigned high-priority projects to specific members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation. By working closely with the Bush Administration and the entire delegation, WSW ensured New Jersey’s urgent needs—from mass transit and port security to first responder equipment—were central to the national recovery conversation.
This targeted effort resulted in the appropriation of hundreds of millions of dollars that were vital to New Jersey’s rebuilding and security. Key successes included securing $100 million for expanded ferry service to Manhattan, $100 million for the PATH rail system, another $100 million for Amtrak tunnel security, and over $40 million to repair and modernize state and local law enforcement communications systems. This funding was critical not only for the state’s immediate recovery but also for facilitating the region’s long-term economic stability and preparedness.
Building on the success of the 9/11 recovery, the State of New Jersey retained WSW for full-time representation, where the firm continued to deliver major federal funding for the state’s top priorities. In a single fiscal year, WSW secured over $100 million above the state’s formula share for transportation and infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the firm protected $190 million for Army Corps projects, including the vital 50-foot deepening of the Port of New York and New Jersey, and garnered an additional $16 million for focused initiatives like the New Jersey Nanotechnology Consortium, demonstrating a sustained ability to deliver across diverse and complex federal programs.