Don't know the actual contracts here but the notion that a telecom firm has obligations to a government body is hardly surprising.

Telecom providers work with government bodies to place and access poles via eminent domain. Even with cellphones similar considerations exist for the placement of towers. Providers can work directly with private landowners but performing all such negotiations individually is not feasible.

Thus in exchange for the State of New Jersey supporting Verizon there are complimentary obligations for Verizon in return.