TRENTON — New Jersey Republicans and Democrats are clashing over the Christie administration's plan to borrow billions to fund a five-year capital program for roads, rails and bridges. Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson defended the plan Monday at an Assembly Transportation Committee hearing. He said it increases the percentage of pay-as-you-go funding and redirects money from the abandoned Manhattan rail...
Gov. Chris Christie (left) with N.J. transportation commissioner Jim Simpson, in this 2010 file photo. The governor's new five year transportation plan has state lawmakers clashing.TRENTON — New Jersey Republicans and Democrats are clashing over the Christie administration's plan to borrow billions to fund a five-year capital program for roads, rails and bridges.
Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson defended the plan Monday at an Assembly Transportation Committee hearing.
He said it increases the percentage of pay-as-you-go funding and redirects money from the abandoned Manhattan rail tunnel project.
He said the only alternative Democrats offered was raising the gas tax, which Republican Gov. Chris Christie has refused to do.
Democrats say the plan relies too heavily on borrowing without a way to repay. It calls for $4.4 billion in borrowing by the state and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Assemblyman John Wisniewski says a dedicated source of funding is needed to keep pace with infrastructure needs.
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• Bridges, roads in Essex, Union, Middlesex counties to get state funding for improvements
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