OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM BERGEN COUNTY EXECUTIVE JIM TEDESCO & COMMISSIONER CHAIRMAN TOM SULLIVAN

HACKENSACK, N.J. – Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III and Commissioner Tom Sullivan release the following statements on recent action taken by the Federal Transit Authority to yet again, delay the extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County:

“Let me make this crystal clear: the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail extension into Bergen County is not a luxury; it's a necessity. This project, which is critically important for the residents and businesses of one of the most densely populated regions in the nation, holds the key to alleviating congestion, meeting the ever-growing mass transit demands of our community, and ultimately fostering a healthier and sustainable environment for all,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco.

Tedesco continues “Bergen County residents deserve efficient, sustainable, and accessible transportation options, and I am absolutely appalled that such little progress has been made on this project. It's well past time for New Jersey Transit, the Federal Transit Administration, and others to step up and commit the immediate funding required to keep this project on track. We cannot afford to let bureaucracy and indecision derail the progress that our residents need, and I will continue to fight until Bergen County residents have the transportation infrastructure they deserve."

“The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail northern extension has been promised for over a decade. There is a long list of reasons why it’s a necessary addition to Bergen County’s transit map, including environmental benefits and sustainable economic growth,” said Commissioner Chairman Tom Sullivan. “It’s time to follow through, and get this done.”