Morris County officials have unveiled a comprehensive 2026 Capital Spending Plan that reinforces the county’s commitment to infrastructure, public safety, and essential services for residents across all 39 municipalities. Presented at a public meeting in Morristown by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, the plan outlines strategic investments totaling just over $50 million, offset by $13.1 million in grant funding, bringing the county’s net contribution to approximately $36.9 million.

Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw, alongside Commissioners Deborah Smith and Christine Myers, chaired the Capital Budget Committee, highlighting the months of evaluation across county departments, partner agencies, and constitutional offices that informed the plan. “Our 2026 Capital Plan strikes the right balance between maintaining our existing assets and making strategic investments in the county’s future,” Shaw said. He emphasized that the plan ensures Morris County remains prepared to support economic opportunity, public safety, and a high quality of life for residents.

The plan is structured around three primary pillars — Infrastructure, Standard, and Strategic investments — to ensure county operations remain safe, efficient, and resilient.

Infrastructure Investments

Infrastructure forms the backbone of Morris County operations, covering 287 miles of county roads, over 1,000 bridges and culverts, three freight railroads, more than 3.4 million square feet of county facilities, 1,200 vehicles, and 20,611 acres of parkland. The county also maintains trees along rights-of-way and facilities required for public safety, judiciary, mosquito control, and other essential services.

More than 60% of the total plan, over $30 million, is allocated to infrastructure improvements, including road resurfacing, bridge design and construction, stormwater management, rail upgrades, dam repairs, and park enhancements. “These investments directly impact residents’ daily lives, supporting safety, mobility, and economic development,” Commissioner Smith noted.

Key 2026 road resurfacing projects include:

• 3.6 miles of Fairmount Avenue in Chatham Borough and Chatham Township
• 1.3 miles of Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township
• 1.8 miles of Ridgedale Avenue in Florham Park and East Hanover
• 4 miles of West Mill Road in Washington Township

Standard Investments

The plan dedicates approximately $13.3 million to standard investments, covering necessary but often unseen projects that keep county operations running smoothly. Funds will support security upgrades, Sheriff’s Office equipment, building and grounds improvements, vehicle replacements, and IT infrastructure enhancements. Commissioner Myers explained, “These investments ensure that essential services operate efficiently and safely every day for residents.”

Strategic Investments

Strategic investments, totaling $6.65 million, focus on forward-looking projects that enhance public safety and operational efficiency. The plan includes upgrades to fire alarm and sprinkler systems, improvements to emergency communications, Sheriff’s Patrol building fit-outs, and downtown parking facility enhancements. Commissioner Smith emphasized that these high-priority projects are designed to improve service delivery and safeguard county assets.

Before the 2026 Capital Spending Plan is incorporated into the county budget, the Capital Budget Committee invited feedback from commissioners and stakeholders to refine priorities. The plan is scheduled to be introduced formally in the first quarter of 2026, setting the stage for a year of substantial investment in Morris County’s infrastructure, public safety, and essential services.

Residents and businesses interested in county development initiatives, infrastructure updates, and strategic investment projects can follow detailed reporting and updates in Explore New Jersey’s North Jersey section.

With a robust approach to maintaining and modernizing roads, bridges, public facilities, and emergency systems, Morris County’s 2026 plan reflects a forward-thinking strategy designed to enhance safety, connectivity, and the overall quality of life for all its communities.