Many reports that Chris Christie is about to scuttle the second rail tunnel under the Hudson. If so, it’s arguably the worst policy decision ever made by the government of New Jersey — and that’s saying a lot.
The story seems to be that Christie wants to divert the funds to road and bridge repair; but in so doing he would (a) lose huge matching funds from the Port Authority and the Feds (b) delay indefinitely a project NJ needs desperately ASAP. He could avoid these consequences by raising gasoline taxes. But no, taxes must never be raised, no matter what the tradeoffs.
Oh, I see. When the project in question affects New Jersey commuters like Paul Krugman who wish to zip into Manhattan to lead their oh so important lives, it comes down to a matter of tradeoffs; tradeoffs that should not include, evidently, the economic feasibility of the project itself. "What is 8 billion dollar when Paul Krugman could potentially save 15 minutes in traffic??"
Thrilling.
Of course, when the project involved runs up against potential (if almost imaginary) environmental concerns favored by Democrats, well, tradeoffs be damned! There are snails or slugs or amoebas to save! And no amount of jobs, economic development, or benefit to the public good is enough to tip the balance. Plus, you never read a Krugman column bemoaning the situation.
But then, replacing a decrepit lift bridge in Stillwater, Minnesota wouldn't do anything to shorten Paul Krugman's commute. So screw 'em.
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