TRENTON — Democrats in the New Jersey Legislature want to roll back toll increases earmarked to help pay for a commuter rail tunnel that's not being built. The Senate Transportation Committee will consider a bill today directing the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to reduce tolls that aren't needed to fund the tunnel under the Hudson River to New York....
A New Jersey Turnpike toll plaza. Democrats in the Legislature want to roll back toll hikes that aren't needed to fund the canceled tunnel under the Hudson River to New YorkTRENTON — Democrats in the New Jersey Legislature want to roll back toll increases earmarked to help pay for a commuter rail tunnel that's not being built.
The Senate Transportation Committee will consider a bill today directing the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to reduce tolls that aren't needed to fund the tunnel under the Hudson River to New York.
Gov. Chris Christie scrapped the $8.7 billion rail tunnel in October saying New Jersey couldn't afford potential cost overruns. He then redirected $1.25 billion in toll hike revenue to go toward state road, bridge and rail projects.
The governor's office says the sponsors are playing politics. They say terms of prior bond sales counted on the toll revenue and can't be rolled back.
Previous coverage:
• Paul Mulshine: Highway fight could take a toll on Christie
• Senate Democrats propose measure to roll back toll increases intended to fund trans-Hudson tunnel
• Editorial: Idea to cut tolls is pure politics
• Port Authority budget leaves tolls untouched, offers no plan for canceled ARC tunnel funds