Mayors got assurances from the state that a new panel of political appointees that oversees transportation spending won't meddle in local-aid decisions.
The Transportation Trust Fund will need to borrow billions. Some lawmakers think New Jersey's pensions should provide it, so they can benefit from the interest.
Gov. Chris Christie says the gas-tax deal required the political honesty of a second-term governor. Of a Trump job offer, he says, "Only time will tell."
Despite skepticism over the gas tax, and a push from opponents including New Jersey 101.5's own Bill Spadea, voters agreed to dedicate money to transportation.
Proponents for dedicating all gas-tax revenues toward transportation are stepping up advocacy efforts, ahead of an Election Day decision by voters that could be a close one.
More than $99 of every $100 spent on transportation projects by the state for the last seven years was borrowed. The gas tax hike seeks to curb that trend.
“I’m fine with paying more if it goes for the Transportation Trust fund, but what happened to the other money for the TTF?” said Tom Mennon of Hamilton.