Rutgers hosts NJDOT
Blue
Ribbon Committee public hearing
(New Brunswick) - More than 40 area business groups, community organizations, elected officials, and concerned citizens attended the last of three public hearings to voice their opinions on transportation issues at the Rutgers Bloustein School of Public Planning and Policy Tuesday evening.
“As we conclude these public hearings, Governor McGreevey’s Blue Ribbon Commission is a step closer to understanding the complex transportation issues facing New Jersey,” said Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere. “Protecting our quality of life, creating jobs, repairing our infrastructure and preparing it for our grandchildren are paramount. The New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund and its future are critical to our future. ”
Concerns expressed Tuesday included the expansion of public transportation, increased freight movement from our ports and more local aid dollars for counties and municipalities to provide property tax relief.
Lettiere was joined by fellow BRC member John Sheridan, a former DOT commissioner.
“This was the third in a series of public meetings of the Blue Ribbon Commission and the message from the public was eerily familiar to that of the previous two,” said Sheridan. “The quality of life in New Jersey is directly proportional to the condition of our roads, bridges, buses and trains. Our residents feel it is time for the state to make a significant investment in improving its infrastructure so our quality of life doesn't continue to deteriorate."
The public hearings provided an opportunity for New Jersey residents to submit verbal and/or written comments to the Commission. Members of the public were asked to limit their verbal comments to five minutes. Written comments are being accepted until October 31st either by email at BRTC@dot.nj.gov, or mail to the Commission headquarters:
Blue Ribbon Transportation Commission
c/o New Jersey Department of Transportation
P. O. Box 600
Trenton, NJ 08625-0600
On January 7, 2003, Governor James E. McGreevey issued Executive Order 43 establishing the Blue Ribbon Transportation Commission to examine and make recommendations on the pressing transportation issues facing New Jersey over the next 10 years. The Commission is charged with providing a final report of recommendations to the Governor by the end of the year and the report will be made available to the public at that time.
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