Christie Supports Subway To New York
The New York Times reports:
(AP) — Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who halted construction last month on a new commuter rail tunnel to New York City, said on Monday that he would consider using state money to help finance an extension of the No. 7 subway line under the Hudson River to Secaucus instead.
Speaking on “Ask the Governor” on Millennium Radio, Mr. Christie said the subway plan was “a much better idea” than the tunnel, which would have been the nation’s most expensive public works project.
He scrapped that project because of potential cost overruns, forfeiting $3 billion in federal money that had been approved.
Mr. Christie said he had not yet spoken with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg about the proposal. Policy makers in Mr. Bloomberg’s office have been discussing whether it would be possible to extend the line.
“This is an example of what can happen when you decide to take a strong, principled stand on something,” Mr. Christie said. “If something is necessary, people find other ideas that are more equitable.”
Mr. Christie said that among the points in its favor, the subway tunnel would be cheaper than the rail tunnel and would have financing from New York City and New York State.
