Ray LaHood, Chris Christie Extend ARC Talks

Well, we’ve now entered a phase of the ARC drama where I think it’s fair to wonder whether Chris Christie may simply be adept at brinkmanship. After having a sit-down with Ray LaHood in Trenton today, Christie agreed to reconsider his decision to kill the trans-Hudson rail tunnel project. Sprawl vs. compact development, traffic vs. trains, economic stagnation vs. an engine for growth — it all hangs in the balance.

The parties have mapped out a two-week process for U.S. DOT and New Jersey officials to review different options to move the ARC project forward. The Star-Ledger has the story.

If you’re an optimist about these talks, I think the relevant question now is: What conditions will LaHood have to meet? Share your scenarios in the comments.

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

Transpo Sec Rumor Mill: Rep. Ray LaHood the Leading Candidate

By Ben Fried |
Photo: Wikipedia The Hill is reporting that Illinois Representative Ray LaHood, described as a centrist Republican, is in talks with the Obama team about taking a Cabinet post, most likely as Secretary of Transportation. The official announcement could be made as early as Friday. If LaHood is chosen, it would come as something of a […]

LaHood to Congress: It’s Time to Talk About a Gas Tax Increase

By Elana Schor |
As Congress maneuvers to end the political impasse over the next long-term national transportation bill, lawmakers are going to have to debate an increase in the federal gas tax, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said today. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (Photo: Getty Images) In his remarks at a Fort Worth transportation meeting, first reported by the […]
STREETSBLOG USA

LaHood Reaches Out to Transit Industry, Lamenting ‘Lousy Economy’

By Elana Schor |
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood sought to commiserate with the cash-strapped transit industry today, declaring the Obama administration an ally of local rail and bus agencies even as the "lousy economy" clouds prospects for passage of a new long-term federal transportation bill. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (Photo: Getty Images) In an address to the American Public […]