Wisniewski addresses Hillsborough Democratic Alliance
Assemblyman John Wisniewski spoke on transportation issues Feb. 11 to the Hillsborough Democratic Alliance Feb. 11.
Mr. Wisniewski, who is the deputy Speaker of the Assembly and chair of the Transportation Committee in the Assembly, brought the audience up to date on the status of the transportation trust fund and the need to maintain roads and bridges, as well as ports, airports, and rail, for the state economy.
Mr. Wisniewski, a Democrat from Middlesex County, described the status of the transportation trust fund, citing the state’s high cost of road construction per mile, the relative lack of federal funding, the number of bridges statewide that are in need of repair (witness Amwell Road Bridge in East Millstone, which is now “indefinitely” out of order), the amount of through-traffic in New Jersey, and the influence of the Port Authority on transportation delivery in the state.
“We lost hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding as a result of decisions by the governor because the federal government only matches state funding,” he said. “If the state cuts funding, the federal government reduces its funding. When the proposed tunnel under the Hudson was killed, for example, the federal government rescinded over half a billion dollars in funding.”
Mr. Wisniewski addressed the challenge of crafting a sustainable plan for the fund’s financial health.
“While Transportation Trust funds are constitutionally dedicated, the funds were spent at an unsustainable pace and depleted the fund more quickly than planned. As we debate how we replenish the fund, we also need to ensure that future legislatures and governors maintain the discipline needed to guarantee its long-term financial health. I have introduced a legislative package that includes a constitutional amendment that commits the state to a long-term spending plan so that this issue is resolved for the foreseeable future.”
. For information on attending future events, email [email protected]. To get involved with Hillsborough Democrats, become a district committeeperson for your neighborhood or run for local office, email [email protected] or call Anne at 908-359-5188.