New Jersey ends transist work stoppage after one day

    Legislature’s Joint Budget Oversight Committee OKs $1.25 billion bond to fund road projects through March.

    A New Jersey budget committee ended the moratorium on road work projects after only one day.

    The Legislature’s Joint Budget Oversight Committee Monday approved a $1.25 billion bond to fund road projects through March.

    Two Democrats joined with Republican minority on the committee to approve the bond. The Democrats had voiced concerns about the lack of a long-term plan from the Christie Administration to provide money for the state’s Transportation Trust Fund.

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    Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson says he’s hopeful that solution can be developed before the end of the year.

    “There’ve been all sorts of crazy things that have come from the various stakeholders including selling roads and doing things of the sort, but there’s nothing concrete yet,” says Simpson. “We’re putting this all together.”

    Gov. Chris Christie has repeatedly insisted an increase in the gas tax will not be part of that long-term plan.

    Officials representing transportation workers say they’re pleased the temporary funding was approved to get their members back on the job.

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