7/9/08-Senate President Richard Codey, D-Essex, has proposed allowing a private company to build an extension on the New Jersey Turnpike from Exit 8A to Exit 6. He also wants an extension built on the Garden State Parkway from Exit 82 to an undetermined exit in the 30s.
The extensions would be congestion toll lanes – “express lanes.”
Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union, has another proposal to reserve the lanes for trucks and buses.
Officials say the turnpike needs $2.7 billion worth of expansion and upgrades.
Critics of privatization deals say the state should hold onto its assets and not allow private groups to control any part of the capacity.
Republicans in the state Assembly are pushing an alternative plan that would raise $500 million in new budget cuts. It would enable motor vehicle fees to be transferred into the state’s Transportation Trust Fund.