Garden State Patriot

With apologies to Notorious B.I.G. (RIP), it looks like we are poised to see the ‘Notorious Big Dig’ in New Jersey. Last week Rich Zuendt, Guest Blogger @ Conservatives with Attitide explained to us how the Hudson River Rail Project would not provide any benefit to New Jerseyans while footing $2.75B of the bill:

Now how about New Jersey?  What does New Jersey get out of this?  Well, first off, the United States Government (us taxpayers) have to borrow $3 billion for their “share” of the project.  The State of New Jersey, through DOT and NJ Transit have to borrow $3 billion for their “share” of the project.  Finally, the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey is on the hook for the remained of the money.  But, guess who is not throwing one single dollar into this project?  If you guessed both the State of New York, and the City of New York, you are right!  Not one single cent of money from either one!  So what does New Jersey get out of it?  Nothing but a huge amount of debt!

In all, New Jersey is borrowing on the order of $5 billion to create 44,000 jobs for New York.  Why the hell is that money not being spent to create 44,000 or more jobs here in the State of New Jersey? 

Well, apparently now it’s even worse than Richard knew at the time. The $3B in federal funding promised for the project, and that Corzine let on that was secure, is nothing but. Assemblypersons Addiego and Rudder explain: 

FAILED PROMISES BY CORZINE COULD COST

NEW JERSEY TAXPAYERS AND COMMUTERS $3 BILLION MORE 

PROMISED FEDERAL SHARE FOR HUDSON COUNTY TUNNEL SUDDENLY IN JEOPARDY –

CORZINE WILL NOT RULE OUT ADDITIONAL TAX OR TOLL HIKES 

Just one week after Governor Corzine and federal officials insisted that $3 billion of federal funds was secure while breaking ground for a train tunnel to Manhattan , there is doubt that Congress will approve that funding. A shortfall of federal funds could prompt the Corzine administration to raise taxes, fares or tolls on all New Jerseyans for a tunnel serving a limited portion of the state. 

“It is not surprising but still outrageous that Governor Corzine proceeded with this senseless project without firm funding commitments. He has a history of over-promising and under-delivering,” Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego said. “ New Jersey taxpayers and commuters, including those in South Jersey who will not receive any job or transportation benefits from the tunnel, are already unfairly subsidizing this project. Forcing them to pay one dime more would be further insult.” 

Addiego, and Assemblyman Scott Rudder, both R-Burlington, reacted to a story in The Record of Bergen County that suggested the state may consider higher tolls or taxes if Congress fails to approve the $3 billion that Corzine and federal officials insisted was secure. Corzine’s transportation commissioner would not rule out those increases. The $8.75 billion tunnel was supposed to be funded by $3 billion in federal funds, $2.75 billion from New Jersey and $3 billion from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. 

“Governor Corzine has already burdened New Jersey’s taxpayers and commuters with nearly $6 billion of construction costs for his tunnel that leads only to Macy’s, will only shave a few minutes from people’s commute out of North Jersey and help create jobs and revenue for New York City,” Rudder said. “Instead of coming at us with even more tax or toll hikes, I urge the governor to use the money committed to these projects to fix New Jersey’s deficient roads and bridges in a way that benefits both South and North Jersey and creates jobs in New Jersey rather than New York.”

Corzine = bum.

Cross-posted at Red County and Conservatives with Attitude!