January 26, 2009

RUDDER STATEMENT ON NJ TRANSIT TESTIMONY REGARDING ACCESS TO REGION'S CORE PROJECT

At today’s Assembly Transportation, Public Works, and Independent Authorities Committee hearing, testimony was provided by Richard Sarles, the Executive Director of New Jersey Transit Corporation regarding the Access to Region’s Core (ARC) tunnel project. Committee member, Assemblyman Scott Rudder, R – Burlington, issued the following statement regarding the Executive Director’s testimony.

“I appreciate the information provided by Mr. Sarles regarding the ARC Tunnel Project and other transportation issues. Much attention has been given to the economic importance of the development, but I have several concerns regarding the project’s financing and other necessary transportation-related undertakings.

“First and foremost, New Jersey would be better served if the state spent the billions of dollars targeted for the ARC tunnel towards repairing our own infrastructure which needs immediate attention. The people of New Jersey would also be better served if we created tax incentives that attract businesses and jobs to our state. New Jersey must commit resources that will benefit the labor pool across the entire state, not only those who live in North Jersey. I’m sure that this project is beloved by every North Jersey politician, but as our South Jersey roads turn into parking lots and bridges continue to crumble, it’s just another example of how misguided Trenton has become.

“Also, I firmly believe that if the ARC tunnel project moves forward, the State of New York needs to contribute its fair share to this $8.7 billion program. Many New Jersey residents will travel into New York City for work, and pay city taxes, as well as contribute to their economy. New York will derive an extremely valuable benefit when the tunnel is completed. New Jersey should insist on New York providing financial support. The Director’s defense that New York commuters already pay tolls to travel into New Jersey was not persuasive.”