Trump’s Halt on the Gateway Tunnel Project Puts New Jersey Voters in a Strategic Bind
Trump abruptly halted funding for the Gateway Tunnel, a critical infrastructure project for New Jersey and the New York metro area. The upcoming gubernatorial election in New Jersey hinges on this ruling.
Transportation experts say two Hudson River train tunnels are vital to commuters and the economy. Trump blamed “Democrat projects” for budget impasses and cuts in his “terminated” statement. Unknown how funds will be withheld and if tunnel proposal will be scrapped.
New Jerseyans suffer personal consequences. Century-old tunnels slow NYC commuters. Traffic interruptions and greater indirect costs may become prevalent since the new tunnel’s future is undetermined. Citizens must decide who is responsible for infrastructure uncertainty: the federal executive branch that slashed funds, the state administration that may have failed to save the project, or the governorship candidates.
Four-term U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill is running for governor against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Sherrill wants a governor who will fight the feds, not comply. The Gateway Tunnel affects national quality of life, jobs, and the economy, she says. Washington and the state should cooperate, says Ciattarelli. New Jersey’s “fair share” of federal tax dollars, including tunnel finance, will be sought, but he has not sued the president or his administration.
Gateway hurts some voters and unites others. People frustrated of long commutes and outdated infrastructure may focus on state house leadership due to the tunnel crisis. Economic or ideological reasons may outweigh the project for some voters, especially those who support Trump’s national agenda. The campaign shifts from local government and policy to Washington, state-federal ties, infrastructure, and accountability.
Ciattarelli must close the mail-in ballot and early returns deficit that favors Sherrill and assess if voters will consider the tunnel financial failure critical before election day. While this issue may not win the election, it raises questions about how the state should treat a president who is serious about the project.
A tunnel stoppage might cause lawsuits, cost overruns, missed dinners, delayed games, fewer family time, and a worse regional economy. The budget freeze may affect passenger experience and New Jersey’s competitiveness for decades.
Will voters prefer someone who fights the federal government for New Jersey or someone who works within current processes to avoid conflict? The Gateway Tunnel shutdown will effect New Jerseyans’ views of leadership, investment, and accountability this election, regardless of the governor.
Sources
(New Jersey Monitor)
