The governor has placed what appears to be the MOM line on his list of mass transit priorities.
But what this means is anybody’s guess. The Asbury Park Press reported on Saturday that the governor was backing an engineering study of the rail proposal — cost: $250 million, a figure that seems absurd.
The state is not confirming the report and South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese said this week that Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri, who was quoted extensively in the APP story, called him to say the governor had not endorsed MOM.
“He told me ‘don’t think the governor supports this,’” Mayor Gambatese said.
Mr. Kolluri did not return our calls this week, though Department of Transportation spokesman Joe Dee offered this statement:
”The governor continues to be a strong advocate for public transportation,” said Joseph Dee, Department of Transportation spokesman. “Currently, the MOM project is in the environmental study phase. It would be premature to discuss any other expenditures.”
Again, not exactly a definitive answer. Maybe, the governor can offer something more definitive this weekend, when he will take his debt restructuring road show to Hightstown on Saturday and East Brunswick on Sunday.
Here’s the schedule and how to make reservations:
- Saturday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Hightstown High School, 25 Leshin Lane, Hightstown; To RSVP or call (609) 777-2513
- Sunday, Feb. 10, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at East Brunswick High School, 380 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick; To RSVP or call (609) 984-9846
South Brunswick Post, The Cranbury Press
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Hank Kalet 