Gov. Christie slams N.J. Democrats' efforts to roll back toll hikes

The GOP governor says: 'This is such rank, immature and dangerous politics' Watch video

Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-LedgerView looking south as cars file through the toll booths on the Garden State Parkway southbound through the Essex toll plaza. Gov. Chris Christie slammed Democratic efforts to roll back a toll increase originally implemented to fund the now-canceled ARC tunnel.

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie slammed Democratic efforts to roll back a toll increase that was meant to fund the canceled ARC tunnel.

"This is such rank, immature and dangerous politics that is being played," Christie said. "This is wreaking havoc. It is irresponsible. They're doing it absolutely for transparent political purposes."

A portion of the toll increases, about $1.25 billion, were passed under former Gov. Jon Corzine to fund a rail tunnel under the Hudson River, known as the Access to the Regions Core. Christie canceled the ARC tunnel and instead plans to use the funds to beef up the Transportation Trust Fund, trumpeting his spending proposal as fiscally responsible and including no toll or tax hikes.

To respond, Democrats in the Legislature started the process to roll back the toll increases, saying if they weren't funding the ARC tunnel they shouldn't be used at all.

Christie said the efforts to roll back the increases is scaring investors, who bought the bonds that will be repaid using the toll increases. He called the move to roll them back purely political and said the Turnpike Authority's ability to borrow money in the future could be affected.

"Stop playing games because there could be real costs that go along with this if the rating agencies decide to act based on the threat," Christie said. "Find some other issues that doesn't directly threaten the financial stability of the Turnpike Authority."

Senate Democrats spokesman Chris Donnelly said Christie has failed to explain to the public how he is funding the TTF, through toll hikes.

"The Governor sure loves to talk a big game, but when it comes to communicating with the public over his toll hike proposal, he gets quiet real quick," Donnelly said. "He should take his case for raising tolls to pay for the TTF directly to the people and get their input on it."

Previous coverage:

• Memo warns proposed toll hike rollbacks pose trouble for N.J.

• N.J. Office of Legislative Services confirms toll hikes can be rolled back, disputing Christie administration

• N.J. Senate panel approves bill to roll back future Turnpike, Parkway toll increases

• Complete coverage of the Hudson River tunnel project