Passenger Trains > Portan Bridge groundbreaking - real or publicity stunt?

Here is Gov. Christie's press release http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/552017/approved/20171013c.html
Was ground broken symbolically to publicize need to fund the full $1.5 billion, or do Amtrak/NJ Transit actually have $1.5 billion to build two new bridges with? Looks like the parties have $20 for preliminary construction of the Portal North Bridge; however, it is questionable as to whether they have anything to put down on the continuation of construction needed to progress the project.
Compare the lack of detail in this press release with those the MTA has put out on bridge construction projects over Metro-North's New Haven Line. I hope my pessimism is not well founded.
Andy

The NJ NY press coverage mentions that NJ put $20 million into the deal to begin relocating some fiber optic etc. The remaining $20 billion is awaiting federal OK and Port Authority release.

Even the publicity picture used two yards of dirt dumped onto an asphalt highway. Senator Menendez got a pass from his bribery and conspiracy trial to attend and get his picture taken with Christie.

Old geezer eyes, I read it as "Pontoon Bridge Groundbreaking".....That would almost be more appropriate for NJ.

Don't   think  20 billion.   Maybe  if  you include  Hudson River  tunnels.

cutboy2 Wrote:
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> Don't   think  20 billion.   Maybe  if  you
> include  Hudson River  tunnels.

or bag money.

TAW

TAW Wrote:
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> cutboy2 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Don't   think  20 billion.   Maybe  if
>  you
> > include  Hudson River  tunnels.
>
> or bag money.
>
> TAW


Bring a bigger bag...

Twenty billion isn't a lot of money in the context of NJ and NY. Cost of living is higher, need to pay for expensive services. Getting stuff done sometimes needs a little grease.

When Christie cancelled the less ambitious tunnel, the official price was something like nine billion. In a down economy, during the real estate crash. The trades needed work, Corzine conjured some numbers, and handed out stuff. Christie said twelve was a better number, and that was almost eight years ago. Things are better now. And more expensive.

Lackawanna484 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> TAW Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > cutboy2 Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Don't   think  20 billion.   Maybe  if
> >  you
> > > include  Hudson River  tunnels.
> >
> > or bag money.
> >
> > TAW
>
>
> Bring a bigger bag...
>
> Twenty billion isn't a lot of money in the context of NJ and NY. Cost of living is higher, need to
> pay for expensive services. Getting stuff done sometimes needs a little grease.
>
> What is this "grease" you speak of?

Grease is what gets stuff done. Helps lubricate the system.

Posted from Android

"Consultants", excess union labor staffing, "no-bid" contracts to cronies, etc. It's the "Joisey Way".