Seeking to get state-funding for the long stalled Bergen County arm of the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, elected officials including West New York Mayor Felix Roque gathered at the of Exchange Place transit station in Jersey City on Oct. 20.
First conceived more than 30 years ago with construction started in Hudson County about 15 years ago, the light rail – funded by federal money – stopped short of achieving its goal to become a two-county system, something local officials would like to change.
The line runs from Bayonne through Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, North Bergen, and Union City, but never reached Ridgewood as originally intended.
Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto said that despite the best efforts of Rep. Bill Pascrell, federal funding is not available to continue the line into Bergen County. He hopes to expand the state Transportation Trust Fund – which receives matching money from the federal government – to include expanding the line.
Unable to put a total price tag on the project, Prieto said the expansion would likely be done in phases, with the first leg extending the line from its current terminus in North Bergen.
The trust fund, which the state legislature must replenish, has about $1.2 billion currently, and he hopes that by adding more, the state can leverage enough to begin construction on the next phase. He said he hopes to put in $1.6 billion, maybe even $2 billion.
This would bypass the current logjam in the House of Representatives, since the state would be putting up half the money. It is uncertain whether or not Gov. Christopher Christie would go along with the move.
Built in stages over the last decade and a half
As originally conceived, the light rail system was supposed to connect Hudson and Bergen counties. The original construction included lines that ran from the ferry terminal in Weehawken through Hoboken to downtown Jersey City, with a spur to the west side of Jersey City. Constructed in stages, intense lobbying by public officials successfully led to the construction of four stations in Bayonne. Recently, the line was expanded north to Union City and North Bergen.
While there are studies underway for continued expansion through the western portion of Jersey City, officials hope to expand the line into Bergen County, allowing commuters another alternative to access jobs in New Jersey and in New York.
The proposal to use state money to fund the next step in expansion was boosted by members of the Hudson/Bergen Light Rail Commission, which is co-chaired by Englewood Mayor Frank Huttle III and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. The commission is made up of mayors from Hudson and Bergen Counties who represent towns along the existing or proposed northern extension.
The commission was formed last March. Each town is expected to pass a resolution in support of the concept, highlighting the benefits of extending the line into Bergen County. These will in turn be sent to state and federal leaders that include the state legislators representing the two counties as well as the administrator of the Federal Transit Administration and the executive director of NJ Transit.
“There is only so much a municipality can do to create jobs and generate economic activity without proper infrastructure,” Huttle said. “The light rail is the smart and efficient way to connect the two most congested counties in New Jersey, who reside in the shadow of Manhattan.”
“The success of the light rail in expanding residential and commercial development in Jersey City and Hudson County has been remarkable and a full expansion into Bergen County will further benefit Jersey City and add to the commerce of our regions,” Fulop said. “The support of Speaker Prieto and our Hudson Bergen delegation in Trenton will assist us in achieving our goal of expanding this vital transportation line and spurring economic development in north New Jersey.”
Where the jobs are
The project is even more significant to the economics of the region, Prieto said, because of the passing of the “New Jersey Economic Act of 2013” which made businesses within a half mile of a new light rail station eligible for tax credits under the Grow New Jersey Program.
Many people from Bergen County currently work in Jersey City. Huttle said the expansion would take cars off the roads.
Huttle also noted that a light rail line would also allow people from throughout Hudson County to access jobs in Bergen County, where there are hospitals and other large employers.
“This is not just about spending money,” Huttle said. “It is about creating jobs.”
Mayor Felix Roque, whose town recently benefited from the last expansion, said the light rail line has helped spur growth throughout Hudson County.”
“We need better transportation,” he said. “Transportation is good for business.”
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner said thousands of people use the light rail, and that it is a solution to roadways that are backed up with traffic.
“We can only have so many cars on the roads,” he said, pointing to the fact that his town is home to the Lincoln Tunnel. “Rush hour gets longer. Mass transit is the solution.”
Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said as the population density increases in Hudson County, the more public transportation is needed.
“This is also about jobs in New Jersey,” she said, “not just New York. We are looking to introduce commercial development in the north end of Hoboken. We want the ability to expand without more cars. It is very important to find a way to fund light rail expansion.”
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.
Hudson County residents would get better access to jobs at hospitals and large employers in Bergen County.