(NEWARK) – Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Chairman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) released the following statement Monday on plans by U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg (both D-N.J.) and Amtrak to unveil an alternative to the Hudson River commuter rail tunnel killed by Gov. Chris Christie in October:
“Walking away from this concept that was so vital to our economic future was irresponsible by the governor, but at least we’ve now turned back toward the right course for New Jersey.
“Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez understand that leadership involves making tough decisions and not giving up on projects like this that will benefit New Jersey residents and businesses for decades.
“It remains critical that a project like this move forward. It means so much for job creation, economic development and an improved transportation infrastructure, and I look forward to doing whatever I can to help make this idea a reality.”