The latest news on the Middlesex-Ocean-Monmouth rail line is not good — if you’re opposed to the line, as we are at the Post and the Press. A press release from U.S. Rep. James Saxton (R-Monmouth) announces an infusion of cash to help pay for additional studies with the goal being to push the line through Middlesex County.
Here is the release:
WASHINGTON, DC – New Jersey Transit will receive more than a $1 million for its proposed Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex (MOM) Passenger Rail Line, said Congressmen Chris Smith (NJ-04) and Jim Saxton (NJ-03), who had worked for years to have the money included in the federal budget.
The MOM Alternatives Analysis Program will receive $1.25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation budget as a direct result from Smith’s and Saxton’s efforts to fund the project in 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU or SAFETEA). This act authorizes federal surface transportation programs through the end of 2009.
The MOM Passenger Rail Line is expected to relieve traffic congestion in the region, the fastest growing area in central New Jersey. The MOM Line would extend passenger rail service from New York City, Newark, and other urban areas of North Jersey into Central New Jersey, according to State and local planners.
“The MOM line is a critical project aimed at relieving congestion and its related health problems in one of the fastest growing regions in New Jersey,” said Rep. Smith. “The federal government’s continued commitment and funding will help move the MOM line forward.”
“Chris and I feel that this is a worthwhile public transportation effort,” said Saxton. “New Jersey is the most densely populated state, and this rail line could improve commuting and transportation systems by creating a rail service link between North Jersey and South Jersey. That could reduce cars on the roads, and give travelers an option to get to their destinations.”
In March, Smith and Saxton asked New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine to reconsider his plan to eliminate the Middlesex portion of the MOM Passenger Rail Line. Smith and Saxton helped authorize the project in 2005 legislation that allowed them to seek appropriations over six years.
The final potential stop of the MOM Line would be Lakehurst Borough, which is home to a U.S. Navy base, the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station (NAES), the largest employer in Ocean County.
The release is rather benign, speaking in general terms about a general rail project that on the surface would appear to have little downside. That is, if you ignore the second to last paragraph. Both Smith and Saxton have previously been on the record supporting the line through Jamesburg and Monmouth Junction and the reality is that the money they have put on the table is designed to make the Shore communities’ favorite alternative the favored alternative — even with the governor’s somewhat lukewarm assurances that the Middlesex alternative is dead.
South Brunswick Post, The Cranbury Press
The Blog of South Brunswick
E-mail me by clicking here.
