Lawmakers introduce relief bills for people impacted by I-80 sinkholes
The Road to Relief bill would provide crucial financial assistance to businesses and residents who have been inconvenienced by the construction and closures along I-80.
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It's been three months since the first of three sinkholes developed along Interstate 80 in Morris County.
For many of the local businesses near the highway, the heavy traffic outside means less traffic inside. A newly proposed bill focuses on the “Road To Relief" for small businesses that have been losing sales for months due to the sinkhole repairs.
The proposed bill would provide tax credits for small businesses that lost revenue and their essential workers who lost wages.
"I live for my tips so it's like a really, really bad situation for me,” said Valaria Restropo, a server at Colossal Restaurant.
"We are seeing over time it's just going down, down, down and of course we are new, so the money invested, it's a lot," said Vincent Leone, owner of Norte 175.
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The bill was introduced Monday by state Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and state Sen. Anthony Bucco after learning that stores are 20 to 30% down on their revenue.
"It's an emergency measure, so we're hoping that it can go through quickly," said Dunn. "This is now a multi-government level approach."
The proposed legislation would also create a $1 million grant program through the Economic Development Authority.
While lawmakers are doing what they can, business owners are hoping warmer weather will attract more customers.
"People love the outdoor dining, that's a big thing we're looking to do in the next month or so,” Leone said.
"We have faith that all of these problems will get better. We just have to be patient," said Restropo.
Dunn asks that residents call their local legislators and ask for their support in the Road to Relief bill. Meantime, several meetings are being scheduled locally to come up with other ways to help these small businesses.
