It is very good news for New Jersey that the federal omnibus spending bill includes funding that can be utilized for the portal bridge and the Gateway tunnel. Although the funds do not fully cover the costs of these projects, it is a good start with future funding seemingly available.
These projects do more than connect New Jersey to New York City. They connect New Jersey to future economic vitality. Our state is heavily dependent upon its infrastructure and its ability to efficiently move people and products. Our infrastructure is the foundation of our economy and there is no way that New Jersey can remain competitive without a modern and efficient system of roads bridges and tunnels.
Funding these projects is a wise investment that will see ample return in the form of economic growth and new jobs for New Jersey.
I echo Gov. Murphy's thanks to Sen. Bob Menendez, Sen. Cory Booker, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen and our bipartisan congressional delegation for their unwavering support for these projects and their fight for the funding. I urge all of New Jersey's representatives to continue this fight.