Topic: Why the Tunnel Project was important to the future of New Jersey

Specific Purpose: To illustrate the need for additional trains in and out of NYC, as well as show the economic pros and cons of what such a project creates.

Central Idea: The tunnel Project was a much needed part of the NJ infrastructure. That was cancelled by Governor Christie in 2010 in order to save New Jerseyians money.

Introduction I. If you have ever taken the train to NYC during the peak hours of 6-9 am or 5-7 pm you know what it means to be stressed. a. As a daily rider you find yourself making plans at least a half hour later to compensate for the consistently tardy trains. b. Not to mention how many days you need to beg for forgiveness form your employer for being late.
II. All rider’s experience are not the same some much worse than others. a. Commuters who live in Central and South Central Jersey, a direct connection to NYC helps to cut some of that time. b. Northern Jersey riders are not so lucky, enduring multiple transfers in order to get into the heart of midtown.
III. In the early 90’s the Port Authority and NJ Transit began pressing for two new tunnels to be built side by side of the current 100 plus year old tunnels. a. Now over 16 years later the plan for commuter relief had become a reality. b. Ground was broken and all parties involved were ready to get construction underway.
IV. Then in a surprise move New Jersey Governor Christie cancelled the essential project. a. By saying that he was saving NJ taxpayers money b. He wanted Federal government to pick up a larger portion of the bill V. The Federal Government saw the importance of such a large project which would; a. Bring jobs, commerce, growing property values, travel time savings, while enhancing the quality of life for many in the state. b. The FTA feels the pros far out weigh the cons, and has signed on with AMTRAK to finish the project.

(Transition: Let me begin by describing the project telling you how the support for the project began)
Body
I. The Hudson River tunnel project has been in the works for many years a. By 1995, NJ Transit and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey emerged as partners on the project along with the Federal Transportation Administration. b. In 2006 Democratic Governor Jon Corzine Secured funding for the project which is celebrated as “the largest infrastructure project” in the country. c. This project was designed to alleviate some of the train traffic from the 100 plus year old train tunnels. i. According to Mark Muller in his article “Burrowing a tunnel under the Hudson River and into the future” these are the first rail tunnels under the Hudson River in a century and the first link of any kind between New Jersey and Manhattan since the lower deck of the George Washington Bridge opened in 1962. ii. The new tunnel will be a 9 mile long stretch right into the heart of NYC. This tunnel will attempt to alleviate the “bottleneck” that occurs because all trains from NJ and Southern US States must use the existing single track 100 year old tunnel to get into or out of NYC. 1. 23 trains per hour enter and leave during peak travel times 2. New tunnel will increase capacity to 48 trains per hour d. The Northeast Corridor tracks are owned by Amtrak and they begin in Washington DC and travel up to Boston. The NY / NJ section has the largest ridership in the nation and shares tracks with NJ Transit. 1. Amtrak maintains the right of way and therefore all NJ Transit traffic must stop if a Amtrak train wants to pass 2. All track work is also done by Amtrak so NJ Transit must wait for them to do any repairs before resuming operation. 3. The new tracks, tunnel, and station