Legal tab for town targeted by lane closures rises to $225K

The northern New Jersey town targeted in 2013’s lane closings at the George Washington Bridge has spent more than $200,000 in legal fees related to the investigations into the closures.

Fort Lee was the subject of an infamous email from Gov. Chris Christie’s former deputy chief of staff that said it was “time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.” The four-day closures caused massive gridlock and led to several resignations and firings.

The Record reports Fort Lee officials last week approved an additional $15,000 for a special counsel. The total for legal services related to the lane closures is now $225,000.

The U.S. attorney’s office is investigating the closures, and a state legislative committee also has conducted a probe.

Christie has denied any advance knowledge of the closures.