|
Transportation
 The
Platform for Progress Transportation Coalition seeks to
improve the state of transportation in New Jersey by raising
public and legislative awareness of key issues.
The
goal of this initiative is to push for a stable, long-term
transportation funding program that best serves residents,
target construction projects that will relieve congestion, and
to develop a state and regional master transportation plan.
Download
transportation action plan (PDF)
Long Term Goal: Increase vitally needed infrastructure investment by
creating public support through awareness and education.
Action Plan
GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORT OF ADMINISTRATION'S TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Action Item 1: Task Force representatives will meet with the Governor, the State Treasurer and the DOT Commissioner and present our criteria.
- Require that proceeds realized through these efforts be directed toward transportation. Of primary importance is the retirement of debt associated with the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) and the NJ Turnpike/GS Parkway/AC Expressway.
- Funding for transit must be a significant priority under any plan that is proposed. Particular emphasis must be given to the Access to the Regions’ Core (ARC) tunnel connecting New Jersey to New York City and other transit projects of regional significance.
- Continue to require construction and maintenance projects by toll road authorities are publicly bid and awarded to the “lowest responsible bidder.”
- Continue the toll road authorities’ procurement process (quality based selection) for project design contracts in its present form.
- Fund the 10-year construction program of the toll road authorities’ and maintain, at a minimum, the current level of annual construction funding, including adjustments for annual construction inflation.
- Encourage the funding and prioritization of projects and policies including innovative technologies that will help relieve congestion and ease the flow of freight and commuters.
- Allow the staffs of the current toll road authorities to plan and administer their respective construction and maintenance program.
- Advocate for an increase in the state’s Motor Fuels Tax with an annual increase reflecting the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for future increases.
- Require that the state develop a “lock box” provision so that all proceeds are dedicated to transportation capital projects.
- Require that future annual TTF debt service will not exceed 50% of the future annual revenues as recommended by the Blue Ribbon Commission.
- Provide additional aid for municipal and county transportation projects to include multi-modal programs.
Action Item 2: Coalition members will gather more details of the plan being proposed in Trenton, as well as other issues pertinent to the state’s transportation needs.
Implementation Steps
- Examine the specifics of the Governor’s plan.
- Determine what the Governor and State Legislature will use the money for.
- Identify and advocate for proper safeguards associated with additional expenditures.
- Analyze other states and regions that have undertaken or are considering similar plans and compare them with New Jersey’s proposal.
- Assess the long-term capital needs of the state.
- Promote the continued sustainable growth of the region’s goods movement industry and the ability to move freight from Port to destination.
- Examine social aspects of transportation – getting individuals to their jobs.
Action Item 3: P4P members will assist in building a coalition of diverse interests, committed to working together throughout the process, and promoting the benefits of the plan to the public.
|
