New Jersey owes the Feds $271 million for canceling the infamous, $9 billion Hudson River rail tunnel. The state was ordered to pay up in not-so-subtle terms by DOT Secretary LaHood.
Just as Gov. Christie claimed that he canceled the Access to the Region's Core tunnel to protect his constituents from perceived cost over-runs, LaHood claims to be acting in the "federal taxpayers' interests" by recouping their money. A total of $600 million had been spent before Christie put an end to the project on Oct. 26, 2011
"On (April 29), the Transportation Department flatly rejected the state's arguments for refusing to repay $271 million that was spent on a project... to build a pair of rail tunnels under the Hudson River. The message to Gov. Chris Christie was blunt: Repay now or we will collect the debt the hard way. Plus interest."
"In a letter to New Jersey's senators and representatives in Congress, Ray LaHood, the transportation secretary, warned that his department had "many tools under the Debt Collection Act to recoup the lost federal taxpayer funds, including withholding future state funding from a wide variety of sources."
The state's arguments - submitted by a Washington law firm, cost the state and NJ Transit $800,000 to prepare. No word yet from Gov. Christie.
Thanks to Mark Boshnack
FULL STORY: New Jersey Must Return $271 Million Spent on Hudson Tunnel, U.S. Insists
The Recent Decline of New Jersey Transit's Commuter Rail Operations
The New York Times looks into the decline of New Jersey Transit commuter railroad, rated as outstanding only nine years ago. Much of the decline can be traced to decisions by the Christie administration beginning in 2010.
Formidable Barriers Threaten Penn Station Renovation
Last month N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed that Empire Station replace Penn Station, but many challenging parts, e.g., the Hudson River Tunnels, moving Madison Square Garden, could derail it. A related piece delves into the prior ARC tunnel project.
Amtrak Gateway Planning Is Coming Together
Initial planning steps toward replacement of the 105-year-old tunnels under the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York's Penn Station are underway, with New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, and the Port Authority of N.Y & N.J. all playing key roles.
How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning
An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?
Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?
E-diggers Pave Way for Cleaner, Greener, Quieter London
London power workers are trialing zero-emission electric diggers that remove more than 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 75% of noise pollution from their work in the capital.
While California Fires Burn On, Residents Take on Rent Gouging
Residents have already seen online listings skyrocketing in price—despite laws against such hikes. With fires still raging, LA and Pasadena tenants are demanding protections against rent raises and eviction.
San Diego Housing Assistance, Homelessness Programs Facing Major Cuts
Programs supported by federal and state programs are on the brink of losing funding, putting thousands of homeless and at-risk residents in jeopardy.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
M-NCPPC Prince George's County Planning Department
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service