(TRENTON) — Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Chairman John S. Wisniewski issued the following statement Thursday on a new report by US Senator Frank R. Lautenberg and the Regional Plan Association that confirmed short and long term benefit of completing a second trans-Hudson commuter rail tunnel:
“The report released today by Senator Lautenberg and the RPA reinforces the short and long term benefits of completing a second rail tunnel under the Hudson River.
“A second rail tunnel would make it easier for New Jersey residents across the state to get to and from work, all while stimulating our local and national economies.
“The value of this project is clearly evident, which is why I find it shocking that my Republican colleagues in the Legislature would claim our Congressional delegation hasn’t done enough when it helped secure $3 billion for this project — the largest single investment by the federal government in a public works project in U.S. history.
“The RPA report underscores the need for this tunnel and I call on Governor Christie to reverse his shortsighted decision to kill a project that will enhance the economic future of our state for generations to come.”