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Arguing that regulators turned a “blind eye” to the negative impacts the new tolls would have on drivers from across the Hudson, New Jersey said in its 68-page suit that it is “inexplicable” how the Federal Highway Administration could find that the tolling program would not have a significant impact on those accessing the downtown.
Garden State Gov. Phil Murphy argued that the new tolls will unfairly target the nearly 111,000 New Jersey drivers who drive into the Manhattan business district on a typical weekday after paying a $17 toll to use the Lincoln or Holland tunnels.
The new tolls, covering the area south of 60th Street, would reach $23 during rush hour as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority looks to finance $15 billion in transit projects and daily operating funds. Proponents contend that the new tolls would reduce traffic by up to 20% and improve air quality.
"New York's anti-environment, anti-commuter, and anti-business Congestion Tax is a cash grab to bail out the terribly mismanaged MTA," New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer charged.