Wisniewski Encouraged by Congressional Warning on Highway Monetization Plans

WISNIEWSKI ENCOURAGED BY CONGRESSIONAL WARNING ON HIGHWAY MONETIZATION PLANS

House Transportation Committee Letter Urges Caution on Public-Private Partnerships, Suggests Congressional Action if Deals Do Not Protect Public Interests

(SAYREVILLE) - Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski, chairman of the Assembly Transportation and Public Works Committee, today said concerns raised by two leading Congressmen on transportation issues lends further credence in opposition to a possible sale or lease of the New Jersey Turnpike.

Representatives James L. Oberstar (D-MN) and Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR), the respective chairmen of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, recently issued a joint letter warning states against rushing into public-private partnerships involving toll roads and national highways.

Wisniewski, (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement:

"Chairmen Oberstar and DeFazio's letter adds new weight to many of the concerns I have voiced regarding monetization of New Jersey's toll roads since day one.

"The chairmen's letter clearly sheds new light on the negative impact of non-compete clauses, contractual toll increases, and financial arrangements that mortgage our highways for generations in exchange for a quick infusion of cash.

"These concerns, coupled with the implicit threat of Congressional action against any deal that does not properly protect the public's interest, reinforces concerns over the pitfalls of toll road monetization.

"In light of this letter, we should return to focusing our energies on transportation policies and funding initiatives that provide real, renewable, and reliable funding resources for our infrastructure, which will provide concrete benefits to New Jersey's driving public without ceding control to Wall Street interests."

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