N.J. lawmakers to hold hearing on tunnel project

Assembly committee wants to see documents attesting to the cost overruns Gov. Chris Christie cited in shutting rail project down.

The New Jersey Assembly is planning a hearing into Governor Chris Christie’s decision to cancel the multibillion-dollar rail tunnel project under the Hudson River.

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, but Assemblyman John Wisniewski, chairman of the Transportation Committee, says it could be delayed because the committee has not received a response to its Open Public Records Act request for the documents about cost overruns that led to the project’s cancellation.

“Obviously having sufficient information to ask questions is going to be important in making the determination to go ahead with the hearing,” said Wisniewski.

Wisniewski says a two-week review of alternatives for the tunnel project will also figure into the committee’s decision. He says the tunnel would be a long-term investment in the state’s economy.

“Certainly I would love to see the project salvaged. It’s one of the most important projects not just for the region but for our entire nation,” he said.

Federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has offered alternatives to the canceled project that will be reviewed over the next two weeks.