TRENTON – Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) issued the following statement today praising Governor-elect Phil Murphy’s selection of Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti to serve as New Jersey’s next Commissioner of the Department of Transportation:
“Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti’s decades of experience at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and at the helm of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise will prove critical as we work to create a 21st Century transportation network that will position us at the forefront of the region in expanding economic growth.
“There is no shortage of issues that need to be addressed under the next administration. Making sure the $2 billion a year TTF is effectively invested to address our deteriorating roads and bridges and improve mass transit options, ensuring the Gateway Tunnel project is completed and reforming and rebuilding NJ transit is only a start.
“The DOT commissioner must serve as CEO of the Department of Transportation and a hawk over operations at NJ Transit, but also as a forceful advocate for New Jersey’s interests in seeking our fair share from the federal government and from bistate agencies like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
“We don’t have the luxury of having someone learn on the job, and I’m confident that Diane can hit the ground running on day one.”