Christie proposes cutting NJ snow removal funds by half

Gov. Chris Christie’s proposed budget calls for a 50 percent cut in New Jersey Transportation Department funding for snow removal next winter.

Yet the state always manages to find funds for snow removal if costs exceed what’s budgeted, said Steve Carrellas with the National Motorists Association.

“It always gets paid for because this is a safety issue, and there’s no way they’re not going to do that work,” he said. “It may be good for the budget to lower costs, but everybody knows that it’s going to have to be made up later.”

With all the severe weather this year, Senate President Steve Sweeney said Wednesday that cutting snow removal funds doesn’t make sense.

“You know, I can see praying for a mild winter and then being able to move money the other direction,” said Sweeney, D-Gloucester. “But it’s wrong that you’re going to take money that’s intended for another purpose because you didn’t budget properly.”

Lawmakers said they intend to discuss the cutbacks during budget hearings.