TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed S4264, which designates State Highway Route 19 as “William J. Pascrell Jr. Highway” in honor of the 9th District’s long-serving Congressman, Bill Pascrell Jr.

“Working for the residents of the 9th District since 1997, Congressman Pascrell has led a life of honor, public service, and dedication to our state,” said Governor Murphy. “Whether it was during his time as Mayor of Paterson, a State Assemblyman, or his current service in the halls of the U.S. House of Representatives, Bill has made us all proud. It is my honor to sign this legislation recognizing his contributions, both past, and ongoing to the 9th district, our state, and our country.”

“To say that I am honored by this designation would be an understatement,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell, who served for nine years in the New Jersey General Assembly and ten years on the House Transportation Committee. “I remember when this important stretch of road in the shadow of Garrett Mountain was completed. While compact, Route 19 traverses my home Passaic County to connect the Garden State Parkway to downtown Paterson, the historic district, and our beloved Great Falls National Park. I want to thank Senator Nellie Pou and Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly and Shavonda Sumter, Governor Murphy, and everyone involved in this measure. I am humbled beyond words by the strong bipartisan support associating me with this gateway to Paterson.”

“On behalf of the Pascrell Family, I want to thank the Governor & Legislature for recognizing my dad's life-long career of public service by naming Route 19 after him,” said William J. Pascrell III, Esq. He sets a great example for all of us to give back & never forget where you come from. He is and always will be a true New Jersey fighter.”

“I’m so proud of my Father’s life-long fight on behalf of those who need a strong voice in government,” said David J. Pascrell. “This is perhaps more true now than ever. This honor by the State Legislature, in which he served so proudly for a decade, and Governor Murphy, just feels special.  I know he’ll wake up tomorrow, smile for a moment on this beautiful recognition, and then set about to continue his good work.”

S4264 designates the entire length of State Highway Route 19 as the “William J. Pascrell Jr. Highway” to honor the public service career of Congressman Pascrell. The bill provides that State or other public funds are not to be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting signs bearing the designation for the “William J. Pascrell Jr. Highway.”

Primary sponsors of the bill include Senator Nellie Pou, and Assemblymembers Benjie E. Wimberly, Shavonda E. Sumter, and Clinton Calabrese

“Congressman Bill Pascrell has dedicated his entire life to serving others,” said Senator Pou. “Paterson has had a great leader in Congressman Pascrell and he has been one of its champions for decades. The City of Paterson and all of North Jersey are better off because of his service to these communities. I am proud to call him a friend and hope he continues to serve New Jersey as he always has.”

In a joint statement, Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly, Shavonda Sumter and Clinton Calabrese said:

“Renaming State Highway Route 19 for Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. is fitting to honor his long tenure in U.S. House of Representatives and his steadfast commitment to fighting for the residents of District 9 over many years.

“Congressman Pascrell has led a life of public service centered around the values he learned on the south side of Paterson. He continues to demonstrate his commitment to Paterson and to public safety for all.