(SAYREVILLE) – Assembly Deputy Speaker John S. Wisniewski, chairman of the Assembly transportation committee, on Thursday issued the following statement in response to Gov. Christie’s veto of legislation (A-2268) he sponsored to create a Transportation Infrastructure Bank:
“New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure provides critical support to the state’s economy, helping to create and maintain the jobs we desperately need. Yet, with his veto, Gov. Christie has dealt another harsh blow to New Jersey’s transportation network.
“This bill would have established a state transportation infrastructure bank that would have opened up opportunities for innovation and private investment without imposing any direct financial burden on the state. In housing the bank in the state’s existing Environmental Infrastructure Trust, it would have created efficiencies that would have saved the state money. It would also have authorized creation of a revolving loan fund to reduce financing costs for county and municipal transportation projects.
“At a time when the state’s Transportation Trust Fund is flat broke, the governor’s veto defies comprehension.”