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Ocean freeholders: We will oppose increase in gas tax

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The Ocean County Board of Freeholders is striking out at a report that another hike in the state’s gasoline tax could soon be forced upon motorists.

“Here we go again,” Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little said on Aug. 23. “This board will vehemently oppose an additional increase in the gasoline tax, as we did two years ago when Trenton hiked the tax by 23 cents per gallon.”

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With revenue from that original increase falling short of predictions, state leaders are now
floating the idea of another tax hike of two or more cents per gallon, according to a press release from Ocean County’s governing body.

“We’ve said it time and time again, these increases in the gas tax are especially unfair to
Ocean County residents, who have some of the longest commuting distances in New Jersey,” Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said.

Vicari pointed to federal census statistics that show more than 108,000 Ocean County
residents commute 30 minutes or more to work. More than 90,000 people travel outside of the county to reach their workplace.

Additionally, more than 82 percent of local commuters use their own private vehicle.
Only 2 percent rely on public transportation, according to the press release.

“This is a far cry from northern New Jersey counties that are served by numerous bus,
train and light rail lines,” Vicari said. “The gas tax is unfair to Ocean County residents who have no other choice than to drive to work.”

The percentage of county residents who use public transportation is only slightly higher
than those employees who walk to work, which is 1 percent of the total workforce.

The freeholders in 2016 unanimously opposed the 23-cent per gallon gas tax increase before it was signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie, according to the press release.

At the time, state lawmakers said the increase in the gas tax was needed to replenish New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund, which helps to pay for infrastructure repairs and projects.

“Ocean County drivers already pay the most in gasoline and tolls because they have the
longest commutes in the state,” Vicari said. “This latest proposal will only add to their burden.”

Vicari also voiced concern that Ocean County has yet to see any promised benefits from
the earlier gas tax increase.

“We have seen no progress on the widening of Route 9,” he said. “The Route 166
project in Toms River continues to drag on with no end in sight. When the state finally decided to rebuild the Mathis Bridge (carrying Route 37 over Barnegat Bay between Toms River and Seaside Heights) they simply replaced the drawbridge with another drawbridge instead of building a higher span that would not delay traffic.”

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