State of NJ - THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG.

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Vale NJ ,Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi commented on the fact the NJMVC workers were furloughed on the same day the NJMVC has opened ,” Another example of the frustration we feel due to nonsensical decisions being made by the administration. Almost two months ago the legislature unanimously passed a bill to furlough state employees. This legislation would have enabled the State to take advantage of matching fund and other federal incentive programs, saving the State over $500 million while many State employees were being paid their full salaries to literally sit home and do nothing.

Continue reading Murphy Administration Furloughs NJMVC Workers on the Day the MVC Reopens

May 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, next time you make a trip to the Jersey shore take a ride on New Jerseys latest tourist attraction, the reconstruction of Sandy-battered Route 35 or the “Golden Highway”.

According to an Asbury Park Press investigation New Jersey taxpayers are being charged tens of millions of dollars in cost overruns.The press found that the project, announced by Gov. Chris Christie in 2013, is already $76 million over budget and a year behind schedule.

Asbury Park Press puts the potential final cost of $341 million , that means that the 12.5-mile road construction in Ocean County will cost a jaw-dropping $27.3 million per mile making it one of the most expensive road projects in the state.

The press also found that the state paid about $24.5 million to have three contractors essentially stop working during design and summer delays.

When the project was announced in 2013, the Governor stressed that “this is not just a resurfacing job.”
and the ,“This new road will be better and more durable in every way,” .

This should give you pause to think when Trenton politicians cry over the depleted state Transportation Trust Fund ,and look to raise gas taxes to fill their pockets .