Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Christie Still Won't Give Up NJ's ARC Debt
By
Jaya Saxena
Published May 3, 2011
Modified May 3, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published May 3, 2011
Modified May 3, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Over the weekend, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood ordered New Jersey to repay the $271 million (plus interest) they owe the federal government after canceling the Trans-Hudson ARC tunnel project. But Christie isn't budging, saying, “This is about whether that money will stay in New Jersey and be used for road projects in this state, or the federal government so it can go to another state.” New Jersey will be charged $52,000 a week in interest for failing to repay. But if he just ignores the feds they'll go away, right?
LaHood already rejected a state appeal to keep the money, and on April 29th the Federal Transit Administration began adding the interest to the bill. LaHood also said the federal government can withhold future funds until the money is returned. "The law is clear on this matter," LaHood wrote on Friday. "After the initial contract was entered into and later expanded at Governor Christie’s request, the state of New Jersey broke the terms," because New Jersey Transit received the money on condition that the project be completed. "The governor’s unfortunate decision will affect the commuters in New Jersey and the entire Northeast region for generations."
Tagged
arc
Chris Christie
debt
ray lahood
trans hudson tunnel
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Queens man found dead, police say, and injured woman is his mother, neighbors say
Police are investigating a related incident in which a 62-year-old woman was found injured beneath the Van Wyck Expressway.
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 14, 2026 at 7:39 p.m. ET
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
News
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
Brooklyn school dean says MTA officers assaulted him over a $3 bus fare he says he paid
By
Carol Chen
National Grid customers in NYC will see higher gas bills this winter
By
Rosemary Misdary
Bruce Blakeman joins Gov. Hochul in support for expanding NY rape law
By
Jon Campbell
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .