Congestion pricing gets federal court hearing
NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) -- Will congestion pricing get the green light or hit a roadblock?
Federal Court Senior Judge Leo Gordon heard both sides of the argument in Newark on Wednesday.
Opponents and the State of New Jersey are suing the MTA and federal government about the environmental review process.
Gordon asked questions about the process, pollution and case law. Attorneys for the MTA and federal agencies said the proper process was followed, environmental studies were done, and the highway administration signed off on it.
The Central Business District is south of 60th Street, excluding the West Side Highway and FDR. Vehicles would pay to travel into the area, with a discount during peak times for those coming through the tunnels.
It allows the MTA to generate billions for train and bus improvement projects.
Roberta Kaplan is the attorney for the MTA, and Chairman Janno Lieber was in court for the proceedings.
"The judge has done a lot of homework. We are happy with how it’s going so far," Kaplan said.
The judge started the day by questioning the attorney who was bringing the suit. They want a more complete and in-depth environmental study.
They argue the impact on New Jersey communities has not been adequately studied or addressed. They also say there is no specific mitigation or compensation for New Jersey. More than $100 million will be spent on air quality projects in the Bronx.
"There's something fundamentally unfair about it all, especially when the impact in New Jersey will be so severe, and there’s not a single dollar committed in the plan," said Randy Mastro.
Supporters say there will eventually be some funds for the Garden State.
The hearing is expected to wrap up Thursday.
MTA hopes to have the project up and running by June. The judge has indicated a decision will come before that time.
There are other lawsuits still to be argued.