Morris County Commissioners Present 2026 Capital Spending Plan
Published on December 17, 2025
Investments Focus on Infrastructure, Safety and Operational Improvements
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight presented a comprehensive 2026 Capital Spending Plan reinforcing the county’s longstanding commitment to infrastructure, public safety, education and the essential services that support residents throughout all 39 municipalities.
The proposed total is just over $50 million, offset by approximately $13.1 million in grant funding that reduces the net county investment to about $36.9 million.
The Capital Budget Committee -- chaired by Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioners Deborah Smith and Christine Myers -- outlined the proposal during the commissioners’ public meeting in Morristown. The plan is built on months of evaluation across county departments, constitutional offices and partner agencies.
“Our 2026 Capital Plan strikes the right balance between maintaining our existing assets and making strategic investments in the county’s future,” said Deputy Director Shaw. “I am grateful to Commissioners Smith and Myers, and to our administration and finance team, for their meticulous work. With this plan, Morris County remains well-positioned to support economic opportunity, public safety and a high quality of life for our residents.”
“This capital plan reflects the responsible, ongoing investment required to keep systems safe, resilient and functional for our residents,” he added.
Click Here to View the Slideshow Presented by the Capital Budget Committee
The plan is built on a three-part investment foundation -- Infrastructure, Standard and Strategic -- that will keep county operations functioning safely and efficiently.
Infrastructure Investments
The plan focuses on the county’s extensive responsibility for maintaining public infrastructure, including 287 miles of county roads, 1,000 bridges and culverts, three freight railroads, 1,200 vehicles, more than 3.4 million square feet of county buildings and 20,611 acres of parkland. The county also maintains all trees within county rights-of-way as well as facilities required by the judiciary, sheriff, law and public safety, and mosquito control services.
The plan designates just over $30 million -- more than 60 percent of the total -- to infrastructure investments for roads, bridges, rail, drainage systems and park improvements.
“Morris County has earned its reputation as a statewide leader in infrastructure maintenance,” said Commissioner Smith. “Our 2026 plan directs $30 million toward resurfacing roads, upgrading dams in our parks, improving intersections, advancing bridge design and construction, and addressing stormwater needs. These investments support safety, mobility and economic development.”
“These are improvements residents will see and feel every day,” she added.
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
“Our standard investments fund critical work residents don’t often see but are necessary for running county operations and ensuring their safety. From security enhancements and Sheriff’s Office equipment to vehicle replacements and IT upgrades, these dollars ensure our essential services operate smoothly every day,” said Commissioner Myers.
Approximately $13.3 million supports standard investments, including:
- Security upgrades and Sheriff’s Office equipment
- Buildings and Grounds improvements
- Vehicle replacements
- IT equipment and services updates
Strategic Investments
“This portion of the plan reflects smart, forward-looking decisions,” said Commissioner Smith. “We’re improving fire and life safety systems, strengthening emergency communications and supporting our sheriff’s patrol operations. These are meaningful improvements that enhance public safety and service delivery.”
Strategic Investments total roughly $6.65 million and address high-priority projects and operational needs, including:
- Fire alarm and sprinkler upgrades
- Emergency communication system improvements
- Sheriff’s Patrol building fit-out
- Downtown parking facility upgrades
The Capital Budget Committee invited questions from the board before incorporation of the plan into the 2026 County Budget to be introduced in the first quarter of the new year.
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Photo: (l-r) Commissioner Deborah Smith, Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioner Christine Myers.