CASAGRANDE AND O’SCANLON:

CASAGRANDE AND O’SCANLON: NEW YORK MUST TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE RAIL TUNNEL PROJECTNo Free Ride for the Empire State           With news reports that the cost to build the new rail tunnel under the Hudson River will increase by an additional $1 billion as federal officials request more dollars be allocated into the development’s contingency fund, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande strongly criticized the lack of financial support the project is receiving from the State of New York.

“It is unacceptable that New Jersey is contributing 20 percent to an $8.7 billion project and New York is contributing nothing,” stated O’Scanlon (R – Monmouth, Mercer).  “New York City will benefit from this project by way of increased commuters who will work in New York City and contribute payroll taxes as well as support ancillary establishments.  The Port Authority’s contribution to this project does not absolve New York from coming to the table and providing its fair share.”

Casagrande called on Governor Corzine to contact New York Governor David Paterson directly to seek funding from New York State.

“The governor needs to use his negotiating skills and obtain Governor Paterson’s pledge for funding,” stated Casagrande (R – Monmouth, Mercer).  “Times are just as difficult in New Jersey as they are in New York.  We’re not asking for anything more than an equitable contribution to something which will obviously benefit them financially.”

The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority is scheduled to vote on Monday on whether to approve the cost increase.  Both representatives urged that the Authority either reject the proposal, or postpone the vote until such time as New York agrees to contribute.

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