I write to express my strong opposition to any congestion pricing plan that would unfairly burden New Jersey drivers entering Manhattan with higher fees than commuters entering Manhattan from the outer boroughs. New York City would receive $354 million in federal funding for mass transit service improvements if the New York State Assembly approves the congestion pricing plan. Under the revised plan, New Jersey drivers would have to pay an additional $3.00. The original plan would have allowed the tolls paid by drivers entering Manhattan at bridges and tunnels to offset the congestion pricing cost. The new plan, which would charge $8.00 to New York drivers that travel below 60th Street in Manhattan from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays, would cost New Jersey drivers $11.00. This surcharge is unconstitutional because it specifically singles out and punishes movement into Manhattan from our state." "This plan is doubly unfair since New York City stands to gain $354 million in federal funds, while the 140,000 New Jerseyans who commute to Manhattan will not see any of it. "We need to put the brakes on this plan before New Jerseyans get squeezed," said Senator Menendez. In addition, Senator Menendez has written the Federal Highway Administration to request that New York be denied federal funding linked to the congestion-pricing plan (PDF of letter: ). Senator Menendez has written Bloomberg to highlight the inequities for New Jerseyans under the plan and make the case that it is unconstitutional (PDF of letter: ). Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is expressing his opposition to the revised congestion pricing plan put forth by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg by urging Bloomberg and the federal government to reconsider their support for it.
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