Unfortunately, Plumb Lines was on a bit of a sabbatical when Governor Christie made the controversial decision to back out of the ARC. While three months is an eternity in the blogging world, I seem to recall that much of the criticism of the governor’s decision around these parts was based on three things: First, disagreements with certain evaluations and prudential determinations in the decision itself; second, disagreements with other New Jersey transportation policies that did not directly bear on the ARC Project; and third, an impatience with Right’s gut reaction to public transit.
Well, as the WSJ recently reported, Amtrak has taken the lead by proposing “Project Gateway”, new tunnel plan:
The project, dubbed Gateway, is a concept Amtrak has been studying for few years, according to a person familiar with the plans. But it would cost billions, and it isn’t clear where the money would come from. Backers hope it would fit in with President Barack Obama’s push for high-speed rail.
Announced on Monday, WSJ reported on Tuesday that the plan has already seen some support from various actors. Even Governor Christie offered some careful words of encouragement for the project after a healthy “I told you so” moment.
Obviously, Gateway is something that will be followed with interest here. Bradford, Schaengold, Schmitz, any initial thoughts?
- P. Langdale Hough
A typically well-informed take from Yonah Freemark: http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2011/02/07/arc-revived-as-the-amtrak-gateway-project/
Comment by Matthew Schmitz — February 11, 2011 @ 4:21 pm