The ARC Tunnel Controversy

   Depending upon who you ask, or your point of view, the ARC Tunnel was either a long overdue solution for thousands of rail commuters between New Jersey and New York or the next truly humongous public works project whose cost overruns would make a Pentagon Weapons Procurement Officer green with envy.

   The short version is that in conjunction with the Federal Government and the State of New York, the NJ Port Authority were to share the $ 8.7 billion cost of a new train tunnel underneath the Hudson River, permitting increased rail traffic into (and out of) New York city.  The project has been on the books for many years, with plans drawn, right of way and access properties leased, and preliminary entrance work begun.  But Gov. Christie decided that there was a possibility that cost overruns might spiral out of control, and the state would be unable to pay its share.  That's the simplified version.  As you will read, so much depends on who you believe, which source of funding your tap, how you might use the
relieved funds for some alternative bills, etc.




Christie Halts Tunnel     (NY Times 10-7-2010)

Won't Repay Feds for Tunnel    Christie doesn't want to repay $271 already spent by the state on the project

Christie Kills the Tunnel Once and for All   (NYTimes 10-27-2010)  Despite last minute meetings and concessions from NY and DC officials, Christie again says, "No."

You can default on a $271 million payment without a few repercussions, thus requiring you to hire a high priced DC legal team to fight to keep all the money, no strings attached.
  To be continued...

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