(29th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Chairman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) on Thursday hailed an agreement that will result in raising the Bayonne Bridge’s low clearance to keep New Jersey’s port economy vibrant.
The Bayonne Bridge is too low to allow new super-sized cargo ships to reach Port Newark and Port Elizabeth. Coutinho was the first legislator to cite the problem, and – after holding a full hearing on the issue with industry leaders earlier this year – sponsored a legislative resolution urging officials to quickly address the concerns:
“I applaud the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for quickly moving to address this important issue.
“As the sponsor of the resolution urging quick action to resolve this problem, I know all too well that New Jersey could start losing business and jobs as these larger ships start using other ports.
“That would be devastating to New Jersey’s economy, and that’s something we cannot let happen to our businesses and workers.
“I am extremely gratified that this agreement will lead to saving those jobs. I cannot emphasize enough that we must get this fix done for the good of our economy and our workers.”