ARC Cancellation Signals Larger Woes

Paul Krugman bemoans the death of the Access to the Region's Core project. He says it is symptomatic of a national resistance to address critical infrastructure and economic challenges.

1 minute read

October 9, 2010, 1:00 PM PDT

By Lynn Vande Stouwe

Krugman characterizes New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's decision to kill the $8.7 billion project as shortsighted, given the needs of his home state, but also as part of a 'pattern of penny-pinching' at the local and federal level that contributes to prolonged economic stagnation.

For Krugman, low interest rates on federal debt combined with outmoded systems mean there is no time like the present to rebuild America's infrastructure. He also argues that investing in critical improvements would create jobs essential to the country's long-term recovery.

He writes:

'We are no longer the nation that used to amaze the world with its visionary projects. We have become, instead, a nation whose politicians seem to compete over who can show the least vision, the least concern about the future and the greatest willingness to pander to short-term, narrow-minded selfishness.'

FULL STORY: The End of the Tunnel

Thursday, October 7, 2010 in The New York Times

Infrastructure New Jersey Transportation Public Works Commuter Rail Economic Recovery Access to the Region's Core View More

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