Jasey Stumps for Rail Tunnel at Maplewood Station

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey persevered in her mission this morning to rally support for the ARC Hudson Rail tunnel project, which Governor Christie recently suspended.

The tunnel construction, which has already begun, is the largest public works project in the State's history and promises to alleviate rail traffic congestion in the northeast corridor and improve train travel times for commuters to and from New York and New Jersey. Costs for the tunnel have increased from $5 billion to $8.7 billion—with more project overruns projected. After meeting with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Christie is reconsidering his decision.

The Regional Plan Association says that the project will improve round trip travel times from Maplewood to New York Penn Station by 28%.

Volunteer coordinators Mary Barbera and Whitney Larsen were out at the Maplewood Train Station on this not-so-bright and early morning in an effort to gain commuter support for continuation of the rail tunnel project. They and Jasey were soliciting signatures from commuters on an oversized "postcard" petition to be delivered to the Governor's Trenton office.

By 9:00 a.m., the card was filled with signatures.

Barbera and Jasey were interviewed by Maplewood resident Kirk Sohr for NJN Public Television; the segment should be broadcast sometime this evening.