SNJDC's Public Policy Speaker Series with NJ DOT Commissioner Francis O'Connor

tom75278
Jul 17
2 min read

The Southern New Jersey Development Council's (SNJDC) Transportation & Aviation Committee hosted its annual Public Policy Speaker Series with New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Francis O'Connor, at the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University.

In his opening remarks, Rowan President Dr. Ali Houshmand highlighted the university's nearly 15 year explosive growth, which includes a significant budget increase from $180M to $850M, doubling student enrollment to 25,000, and expanding from six to 15 colleges. Rowan is now one of only two U.S. universities with three medical schools, including New Jersey’s only veterinary school. Dr. Houshmand cited Rowan Boulevard’s transformation as a successful model that now contributes $3 million annually to Glassboro.

Commissioner Francis O’Connor’s NJDOT Remarks

Introduced by Scott Cortese, Vice President, NJ Surface Transportation Lead for AECOM, the event's Title Sponsor, Commissioner Francis O’Connor outlined the agency's South Jersey priorities, emphasizing infrastructure investment, safety, transit expansion, and customer service. He praised Governor Murphy’s leadership and announced 91 construction contracts worth over $1.1B for FY2026, including critical waterway dredging projects. Key transit initiatives include advancing the Camden-Glassboro Light Rail (GCL), expanding 27 NJ Transit bus routes, and supporting zero-emission fleet goals.

He underscored safety as a personal mission, highlighting the Route 322 Rowan Bypass, bikeway grants, and his role as chair of the Target Zero Commission to eliminate roadway fatalities by 2040. O’Connor also detailed congestion relief efforts such as the Atlantic City Expressway widening, electric vehicle infrastructure plans under the NEVI program, and the rollout of design-build projects.

On challenges, he cited aging infrastructure, driver behavior, and sinkholes caused by abandoned mines, noting innovative solutions like micro-drilled pile bridges. He called for improved driver education, micro-transit development, and enhanced permitting via AI tools. Above all, O’Connor stressed DOT’s shift toward a “customer service” mindset, partnering with municipalities to advance safe, smart, and timely transportation solutions.

Our thanks to Dr. Ali Houshmand and Rowan University, Scott Cortese and AECOM, and our Transportation & Aviation committee for their continued support!