Today, the NJ Turnpike Authority voted unanimously to approve a $142 million contract for the I-78 Turnpike Extension expansion, despite the expansion lacking a federal permit to proceed. All told, the hotly contested project to expand eight miles of highway in Newark and Hudson County, will cost a total of nearly $11 billion. The proposal’s environmental assessment remains before federal regulators for approval and construction permits have yet to be issued. 

In response, Food & Water Watch New Jersey Organizer Sam DiFalco issued the following statement:

“It’s unconscionable that the Turnpike Authority would approve a costly $142 million contract for the unnecessary and unpopular I-78 Turnpike Expansion — all before a permit decision has even been made. Today’s premature decision flies in the face of the crystal clear demands of Hudson County and Newark residents to trade highway expansion for affordable and reliable mass transit options.

“Transportation produces more climate warming pollution than any other sector in New Jersey. As we close out one of the hottest summers on record, Governor Murphy must be a climate leader by directing the NJ Turnpike Authority to reverse course and stop this dirty project.”