Port Authority Funds Newark Airport Extension, Ignores Bus Station and Gateway Tunnels

The Port Authority’s capital plan for the next ten years will be focusing funds on extending PATH train service from Manhattan to the Newark Airport. Critics are disappointed that no funds will be allocated to the Gateway Tunnel project or upgrading the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Construction is slated to begin in 2018, according to NJ.com.

NJ Spotlight reports that Christie “pushed” Port Authority Commissioners to make sure its $27.6 billion capital included $1.5 billion for the extension of the PATH line. Christie, according to Spotlight, bartered the extension with United Airlines, who wanted their workers to have easy access to the port. In return, United Airlines will add served to the Atlantic city airport.

“We end up paying for a lot of things that we don’t use,” said Gail Toth, executive director of the New Jersey Motor Truck Association.

Christie’s approval ratings have been on a decline. Some New Jersey residents have been calling for his impeachment since the Bridgegate scandal.

NJ Transit already provides direct service between Manhattan — by way of New York’s Pennsylvania Station in Midtown, and Newark’s AirTrain station, according to NJ.com.

Christie continues to work more closely with New York governor Cuomo than with New Jersey politicians.

Patch file photo.