New Jersey transportation funding debate steering toward summer

It could be well into the summer shore season before New Jersey residents and out-of-state drivers have any certainty on whether the state’s gas tax is going up to pay for road and bridge work.

But unlike in recent weeks when Republican Gov. Chris Christie and the Democrat-led Legislature focused heavily on helping Atlantic City and transportation funding moved to the back burner, the transportation funding is re-emerging as a top issue.

A key Democratic senator has unveiled a plan he says includes the “tax fairness” Christie wants as well as the gas tax hike that Democrats say is necessary.

So far, though, a deal has eluded Christie and Democrats.