Christie doesn't believe N.J. owes a penny for canceling the planned tunnel, arguing that rising cost estimates for the tunnel and a state fiscal crisis made moving ahead with the project irresponsible Watch video
TRENTON — Now that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has filed a formal appeal of the $271 million bill the federal government sent the state for canceling a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River, a prominent state lawmaker is concerned the government might withhold funds from other transportation areas to recoup money it said it's owed.
Christie doesn't believe the state owes a penny for canceling the planned tunnel. He argues that rising cost estimates for the tunnel and a state fiscal crisis made moving ahead with the project irresponsible.
State Senate President Stephen Sweeney worries that New Jersey could lose out on $128 million the federal government offered to credit back to help ease traffic jams once the state pays in full.
In November, the Federal Transit Administration warned the state that if the bill wasn't paid, it could recoup the money through "administrative offset."
Related coverage:
• Gov. Christie is appealing $271M bill from U.S. government for ARC tunnel
• N.J. faces deadline to pay federal government for canceled ARC tunnel
• N.J. Senate committee approves removing $1.25B in toll hikes intended for ARC tunnel project
• 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