TRENTON — New York Sen. Chuck Schumer is criticizing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for canceling a tunnel project that would have allowed more commuter trains between New York City and the Garden State. Schumer, a Democrat, called it a "terrible, terrible decision." He's urging Christie, a Republican, to reconsider. Christie announced in October he would halt the Trans-Hudson...
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) walks to the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 22, 2010 in Washington, D.C. TRENTON — New York Sen. Chuck Schumer is criticizing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for canceling a tunnel project that would have allowed more commuter trains between New York City and the Garden State.
Schumer, a Democrat, called it a "terrible, terrible decision." He's urging Christie, a Republican, to reconsider.
Christie announced in October he would halt the Trans-Hudson Passenger Rail Tunnel, even though construction was already under way. He said the project's costs were skyrocketing and that his cash-strapped state couldn't afford it.
Schumer said the rail project is essential to help the region grow and thrive.
He's urging the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to reject Christie's effort to divert $1.8 billion in funds dedicated to the rail project to repairing roads and bridges instead.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. is given final deadline to appeal or repay $271M ARC tunnel bill
• N.Y. Sen. Charles Schumer slams Gov. Christie for redirecting ARC tunnel funds to N.J. roads
• N.J. Democrats push to end toll hikes intended to fund canceled ARC tunnel
• Decision on whether N.J. will pay bill for canceled ARC tunnel is delayed until next week
• Gov. Christie plans to use ARC tunnel money to pay for repairs to N.J. bridges and roads