VAN DREW: ASSELTA NEEDS TO BE HONEST WITH HIS CONSTITUENTS

ASSELTA’S STANCE ON THE BEESLEY’S POINT BRIDGE CHANGES DRAMATICALLY IN A MATTER OF WEEKS

VAN DREW HAS MEETING WITH DOT AND COUNTY TO FINALIZE PLANS FOR THE REOPENING OF THE BRIDGE

(CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ)—Today Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew asked Senator Nick Asselta to be honest with his constituents about the Beesley’s Point Bridge. Just last month Asselta stated that not only should the County of Cape May pay for the bridge repairs but Atlantic county and Upper Township should pay as well ( Press of Atlantic City, 6/8/07). He then stated again at an Evacuation Task Force hearing that Cape May County should not look to the State to fund these types of evacuation concerns (detailed in official transcripts). Today the Senator held a press conference stating the exact opposite. Asselta has a history of not doing his homework but this time he didn’t even realize what he said six weeks ago.

            “I have always thought that the State should take over the bridge and incur the costs associated with that. That is what we have been working on for the past three years. However, Nick stated just last month that not only should Cape May County but Upper Township and Atlantic County should pay. I’m glad he is finally taking an active interest but I’m not sure what the Senator’s stance is. I believe as I have said all along that the State should issue the debt service and the County should work with the State to administer the bridge. This would enable Cape May County residents to realize the benefits of having the bridge open without absorbing a huge financial burden. I’m glad this campaign has sparked his interest in the issue but leadership requires competence and integrity and he has displayed neither. He says one thing and then 6 weeks later says another. I hope he really has changed his mind,” said Van Drew.

Van Drew has been meeting with the Department of Transportation for 3 years try to convince them to take over the bridge. Over the past year Van Drew has been working with both the DOT and Cape May County to strike an agreement. Today that process took a huge step forward. The basic framework for a cooperative agreement between Cape May County and the State of New Jersey was outlined.

“It’s now a matter of crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s. We have made tremendous progress over the past month. A final agreement should be forthcoming. One thing is for sure the bridge owners will be paying back the State what they received plus interest. The residents have waited far too long—this bridge needs to open,” said Van Drew.