Segments include:
Rehabilitating Our Roads – 1:00
New Jersey: Natural Gas’ Crucial Role – 6:45
The Power Behind the Switch – 14:15
Hudson Tunnels: Gateway to the Future – 22:16
See the schedule on News 12 +
http://news12.plus/new-jersey/
Additional Episodes:
https://tristateinfrastructurenews.com/infrastructure-matters/
Transcript:
1
01:01:01,491 --> 01:01:02,158
Every day,
2
01:01:02,158 --> 01:01:03,660
over 9 million people
3
01:01:03,660 --> 01:01:05,395
rely on New Jersey's vast
4
01:01:05,395 --> 01:01:06,429
system of roads
5
01:01:06,429 --> 01:01:07,096
and bridges
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01:01:07,096 --> 01:01:08,197
to get to work,
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01:01:08,197 --> 01:01:09,332
get to school,
8
01:01:09,332 --> 01:01:10,266
get to lunch,
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01:01:10,266 --> 01:01:11,234
and appreciate
10
01:01:11,234 --> 01:01:12,502
the Garden State.
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01:01:12,502 --> 01:01:13,903
But behind each trip,
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01:01:13,903 --> 01:01:15,405
there is a deeper story
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01:01:15,571 --> 01:01:17,373
about aging infrastructure,
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01:01:17,373 --> 01:01:18,841
skilled labor,
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01:01:18,841 --> 01:01:19,842
and the power of
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01:01:19,842 --> 01:01:21,344
smart investment.
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01:01:21,678 --> 01:01:22,779
By all metrics,
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01:01:22,779 --> 01:01:23,513
New Jersey
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01:01:23,513 --> 01:01:24,547
is the most densely
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01:01:24,547 --> 01:01:25,682
populated State
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01:01:25,682 --> 01:01:26,849
in the country.
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01:01:26,849 --> 01:01:27,617
But did you know that
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01:01:27,617 --> 01:01:28,851
the State's population
24
01:01:28,851 --> 01:01:30,720
has doubled since 1950?
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01:01:31,054 --> 01:01:31,788
Or that the number
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01:01:31,788 --> 01:01:33,122
of registered vehicles
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01:01:33,122 --> 01:01:34,023
on New Jersey's
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01:01:34,023 --> 01:01:35,391
roads has doubled
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01:01:35,391 --> 01:01:36,893
since 1961?
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01:01:37,226 --> 01:01:37,694
Or that
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01:01:37,694 --> 01:01:38,728
the average bridge
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01:01:38,728 --> 01:01:39,562
in New Jersey
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01:01:39,562 --> 01:01:42,198
is a 57-year-old gen-xer?
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01:01:42,732 --> 01:01:43,866
Across the State,
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01:01:43,866 --> 01:01:45,234
roads and bridges
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01:01:45,234 --> 01:01:46,636
are deteriorating.
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There are over 80,000
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01:01:48,237 --> 01:01:49,605
lane miles of roads
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01:01:49,605 --> 01:01:50,573
in the State.
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01:01:50,573 --> 01:01:51,307
Over a third
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01:01:51,307 --> 01:01:52,075
of New Jersey's
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01:01:52,075 --> 01:01:52,742
roads are in
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01:01:52,742 --> 01:01:53,943
poor condition,
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01:01:53,943 --> 01:01:55,278
and hundreds of bridges
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01:01:55,278 --> 01:01:56,979
are nearing or exceeding
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01:01:56,979 --> 01:01:58,481
their intended lifespan.
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01:01:58,815 --> 01:02:00,616
This affects everyone,
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01:02:00,616 --> 01:02:01,784
causing delays,
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01:02:01,784 --> 01:02:03,286
increasing costs
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01:02:03,286 --> 01:02:04,787
and putting public safety
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01:02:04,987 --> 01:02:06,456
at risk.
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Fixing infrastructure
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before things get worse
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takes more than plans.
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01:02:11,094 --> 01:02:12,161
It takes skilled
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01:02:12,161 --> 01:02:13,663
and dedicated people
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01:02:13,963 --> 01:02:15,164
operating engineers
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01:02:15,164 --> 01:02:16,566
of Local 825
59
01:02:16,566 --> 01:02:18,134
run the heavy machinery
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01:02:18,134 --> 01:02:18,901
that powers
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01:02:18,901 --> 01:02:20,336
every major project
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01:02:20,336 --> 01:02:21,838
across New Jersey.
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01:02:22,105 --> 01:02:22,805
Through union
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01:02:22,805 --> 01:02:23,673
apprenticeships
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01:02:23,673 --> 01:02:25,141
and rigorous training,
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01:02:25,141 --> 01:02:26,242
they ensure every
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01:02:26,242 --> 01:02:27,744
job is done safely
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01:02:27,777 --> 01:02:29,345
and right the first time.
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01:02:30,179 --> 01:02:31,414
They are the workforce
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01:02:31,414 --> 01:02:32,915
rebuilding New Jersey
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project by project
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01:02:34,917 --> 01:02:36,419
lane by lane,
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01:02:36,519 --> 01:02:37,820
often working at night
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01:02:37,820 --> 01:02:39,355
to minimize the impact
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01:02:39,355 --> 01:02:40,857
on traffic.
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01:02:40,923 --> 01:02:41,991
Municipalities
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01:02:41,991 --> 01:02:42,825
are responsible
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01:02:42,825 --> 01:02:44,427
for over two thirds of roads
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01:02:44,427 --> 01:02:45,294
in the State,
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01:02:45,294 --> 01:02:46,329
and they rely upon
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01:02:46,329 --> 01:02:47,830
a mix of federal, state
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01:02:47,930 --> 01:02:49,265
and local funding to
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01:02:49,265 --> 01:02:50,767
maintain their roads.
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01:02:51,100 --> 01:02:52,001
There's a chronic
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01:02:52,001 --> 01:02:53,503
shortfall of funds,
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01:02:53,836 --> 01:02:55,338
but in 2021,
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01:02:55,338 --> 01:02:56,506
the federal government
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01:02:56,506 --> 01:02:57,940
passed the Infrastructure
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01:02:57,940 --> 01:02:59,642
Investment and Jobs Act,
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01:02:59,942 --> 01:03:01,277
unlocking billions
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01:03:01,277 --> 01:03:02,044
for overdue
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01:03:02,044 --> 01:03:03,613
infrastructure upgrades.
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01:03:04,147 --> 01:03:05,548
New Jersey is receiving
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01:03:05,548 --> 01:03:07,450
more than $12 billion
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over five years
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01:03:08,484 --> 01:03:09,452
to modernize
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01:03:09,452 --> 01:03:10,953
transportation systems
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01:03:11,020 --> 01:03:12,522
and improve safety.
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01:03:12,989 --> 01:03:13,890
One of the largest
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01:03:13,890 --> 01:03:15,458
projects is the Newark
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01:03:15,458 --> 01:03:16,959
Bay Bridge Replacement,
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01:03:17,126 --> 01:03:18,127
part of the New Jersey
103
01:03:18,127 --> 01:03:19,829
Turnpike rehabilitation
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01:03:20,029 --> 01:03:21,831
near Newark and the ports
105
01:03:21,831 --> 01:03:22,732
where congestion
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01:03:22,732 --> 01:03:24,133
has grown dangerously
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out of control.
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01:03:25,535 --> 01:03:26,803
The Newark Bay Bridge
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01:03:26,803 --> 01:03:28,037
is similar in design
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01:03:28,037 --> 01:03:29,172
to the Francis Scott
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Key Bridge in
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01:03:29,872 --> 01:03:31,140
Baltimore Harbor
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01:03:31,140 --> 01:03:33,142
that collapsed in 2024
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01:03:33,409 --> 01:03:35,878
but older, longer and carries
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01:03:35,878 --> 01:03:37,380
more daily traffic.
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01:03:37,747 --> 01:03:39,048
The Turnpike Authority,
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01:03:39,048 --> 01:03:40,583
is investing over $10
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01:03:40,583 --> 01:03:42,418
billion to widen lanes,
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01:03:42,718 --> 01:03:44,220
improve traffic flow
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01:03:44,320 --> 01:03:44,921
and support
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01:03:44,921 --> 01:03:45,855
freight movement
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in one of the busiest
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industrial corridors
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01:03:48,424 --> 01:03:49,725
on the East Coast.
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And the Infrastructure Investment
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01:03:51,427 --> 01:03:52,395
and Jobs Act
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01:03:52,395 --> 01:03:53,596
is funding projects
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01:03:53,596 --> 01:03:55,097
throughout the State.
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01:03:55,164 --> 01:03:56,566
These big infrastructure
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01:03:56,566 --> 01:03:58,234
projects are challenging,
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01:03:58,401 --> 01:03:59,435
but worth it.
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01:03:59,435 --> 01:04:01,170
Expansion projects have proved
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01:04:01,170 --> 01:04:02,238
greatly beneficial
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01:04:02,238 --> 01:04:04,040
to New Jersey historically.
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01:04:04,373 --> 01:04:05,408
Take, for example,
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the widening between exit
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six and exit nine.
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01:04:08,911 --> 01:04:10,179
Once considered the most
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01:04:10,179 --> 01:04:11,013
deadly road
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01:04:11,013 --> 01:04:12,515
corridor in New Jersey,
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01:04:12,882 --> 01:04:14,083
it now is a major
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01:04:14,083 --> 01:04:15,251
economic driver
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01:04:15,251 --> 01:04:16,252
for e-commerce
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01:04:16,252 --> 01:04:17,920
and logistic headquarters.
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01:04:18,120 --> 01:04:19,355
Now, businesses
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01:04:19,355 --> 01:04:20,423
have access to nearly
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01:04:20,423 --> 01:04:22,124
61 million people
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01:04:22,258 --> 01:04:23,025
living within
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01:04:23,025 --> 01:04:24,393
250 miles
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01:04:24,393 --> 01:04:25,528
of this corridor,
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01:04:25,528 --> 01:04:26,796
and traffic on even the
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01:04:26,796 --> 01:04:28,397
busiest summer weekends -
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01:04:28,731 --> 01:04:29,365
gone.
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01:04:29,966 --> 01:04:32,068
Skilled union labor ensures
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01:04:32,068 --> 01:04:33,536
these multi-billion-dollar
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01:04:33,536 --> 01:04:35,872
projects are built to last.
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01:04:36,105 --> 01:04:38,608
Local 825 operating engineers
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01:04:38,608 --> 01:04:39,909
bring experience,
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01:04:39,909 --> 01:04:40,943
accountability
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01:04:40,943 --> 01:04:41,744
and training
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01:04:41,744 --> 01:04:43,246
to every site.
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01:04:43,279 --> 01:04:44,113
These careers
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01:04:44,113 --> 01:04:45,615
offer strong wages,
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01:04:45,615 --> 01:04:46,883
safety protections
165
01:04:46,883 --> 01:04:48,417
and benefits, building
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01:04:48,417 --> 01:04:49,919
not just infrastructure
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01:04:50,052 --> 01:04:51,554
but the middle class.
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01:04:51,654 --> 01:04:52,922
Modern infrastructure
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01:04:52,922 --> 01:04:53,789
touches every
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01:04:53,789 --> 01:04:55,258
part of our lives;
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01:04:55,258 --> 01:04:56,125
schools,
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01:04:56,125 --> 01:04:56,993
hospitals,
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01:04:56,993 --> 01:04:57,960
ports,
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01:04:57,960 --> 01:04:58,761
homes.
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01:04:59,061 --> 01:05:00,463
The turnpike expansion
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01:05:00,463 --> 01:05:01,063
will reduce
177
01:05:01,063 --> 01:05:02,565
congestion and emissions,
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01:05:02,932 --> 01:05:04,500
helping goods and people
179
01:05:04,634 --> 01:05:06,135
move more efficiently.
180
01:05:06,669 --> 01:05:08,437
The new Newark Bay Bridge
181
01:05:08,471 --> 01:05:09,972
will support the economy
182
01:05:10,106 --> 01:05:11,507
and ensure safety
183
01:05:11,507 --> 01:05:13,009
for decades to come.
184
01:05:13,509 --> 01:05:14,677
And plans to widen
185
01:05:14,677 --> 01:05:15,444
the turnpike
186
01:05:15,444 --> 01:05:16,412
in South Jersey
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01:05:16,412 --> 01:05:17,947
from exits 1 to 4
188
01:05:18,147 --> 01:05:19,482
will address a major
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01:05:19,482 --> 01:05:20,983
traffic bottleneck.
190
01:05:21,317 --> 01:05:23,019
Every inch of progress,
191
01:05:23,019 --> 01:05:24,620
every commute shortened.
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01:05:24,987 --> 01:05:25,821
Every safe
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01:05:25,821 --> 01:05:26,656
mile of road
194
01:05:26,656 --> 01:05:27,623
is being built
195
01:05:27,623 --> 01:05:28,357
by the hands
196
01:05:28,357 --> 01:05:30,092
of skilled union workers
197
01:05:30,426 --> 01:05:31,794
trained to protect the
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01:05:31,794 --> 01:05:33,629
public and the future.
199
01:05:35,564 --> 01:05:36,832
When union labor and
200
01:05:36,832 --> 01:05:40,069
contractors come together
for one common goal,
201
01:05:40,236 --> 01:05:42,071
anything can be accomplished
202
01:05:42,071 --> 01:05:42,772
ELEC
203
01:05:42,772 --> 01:05:44,073
The Engineers Labor
204
01:05:44,073 --> 01:05:45,508
Employer Cooperative.
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01:05:45,508 --> 01:05:48,411
We are the labor management
fund for the International
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01:05:48,411 --> 01:05:51,814
Union of Operating Engineers,
Local 825.
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01:05:51,948 --> 01:05:55,117
From Kingston to Cape
May and from river to river,
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01:05:55,318 --> 01:05:57,019
we're creating the opportunities
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01:05:57,019 --> 01:05:59,488
that spawn real economic development
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01:05:59,588 --> 01:06:01,090
and building the future.
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01:06:01,090 --> 01:06:04,093
As members of the business
community and Chamber
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01:06:04,160 --> 01:06:04,927
of Commerce.
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01:06:04,927 --> 01:06:07,763
We create the partnerships
needed to collaborate
214
01:06:07,763 --> 01:06:08,597
success.
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01:06:08,597 --> 01:06:11,667
As advocates,
we shape the public policy
216
01:06:11,667 --> 01:06:13,936
in local town
halls and statehouses
217
01:06:13,936 --> 01:06:16,973
that protect our members
and generate possibilities.
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01:06:17,039 --> 01:06:19,008
We eliminate entry barriers
219
01:06:19,041 --> 01:06:21,344
that ensures
our members are ready on day
220
01:06:21,344 --> 01:06:24,547
one for whatever work
our contractors require.
221
01:06:24,714 --> 01:06:27,450
And as industry innovators,
we develop,
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01:06:27,450 --> 01:06:29,819
grant programs
to help our contractors
223
01:06:29,819 --> 01:06:32,688
compete in underrepresented
market sectors.
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01:06:32,888 --> 01:06:34,690
This is what the 21st century
225
01:06:34,690 --> 01:06:36,492
organized labor looks like.
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01:06:36,592 --> 01:06:38,794
This is ELEC, building
227
01:06:38,794 --> 01:06:40,663
the infrastructure New York
228
01:06:40,663 --> 01:06:42,531
and Jersey relies on.
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01:06:46,335 --> 01:06:49,338
New Jersey, 9.8 million people
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01:06:49,338 --> 01:06:51,941
packed into 8,700 square miles
231
01:06:52,141 --> 01:06:55,011
relies on a vital yet often
overlooked resource
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01:06:55,011 --> 01:06:57,780
to power homes, businesses
and industries.
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01:06:58,214 --> 01:06:59,882
Natural gas.
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01:06:59,882 --> 01:07:02,885
Natural gas plays a crucial role
in the Garden State's energy
235
01:07:02,885 --> 01:07:06,088
mix, providing about 50%
of the state's electricity
236
01:07:06,255 --> 01:07:08,891
and serving millions
of households and businesses.
237
01:07:09,358 --> 01:07:11,694
Natural gas is used for
cooking and heating
238
01:07:11,694 --> 01:07:14,196
in more than 70% of the homes
in our state.
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01:07:14,663 --> 01:07:17,633
It's no exaggeration
to say that New Jersey's economy
240
01:07:17,633 --> 01:07:20,669
and quality of life
are all built on natural
241
01:07:20,669 --> 01:07:22,371
gas infrastructure.
242
01:07:22,471 --> 01:07:25,307
The journey of natural gas begins
deep beneath the Earth's
243
01:07:25,307 --> 01:07:27,209
surface, where it is extracted
244
01:07:27,209 --> 01:07:28,911
from natural gas wells.
245
01:07:28,978 --> 01:07:32,415
Once extracted, it's processed
to remove impurities
246
01:07:32,415 --> 01:07:35,151
and transported through
an intricate network of pipelines
247
01:07:35,284 --> 01:07:36,852
to ensure its safe delivery
248
01:07:36,852 --> 01:07:38,554
to homes and businesses.
249
01:07:38,687 --> 01:07:41,123
Natural gas can also be moved
by tanker truck,
250
01:07:41,357 --> 01:07:43,959
railcar or on water by barge.
251
01:07:44,326 --> 01:07:46,028
While these methods are productive,
252
01:07:46,162 --> 01:07:48,097
they are not as safe or efficient
253
01:07:48,097 --> 01:07:49,799
as using a pipeline.
254
01:07:49,932 --> 01:07:51,801
New Jersey is connected to a vast
255
01:07:51,801 --> 01:07:53,636
network of natural gas pipelines
256
01:07:53,736 --> 01:07:55,638
with key interstate pipelines
257
01:07:55,638 --> 01:07:57,339
such as the Transco pipeline,
258
01:07:57,606 --> 01:08:00,810
the Tetco pipeline,
and the Columbia Gas Pipeline.
259
01:08:01,210 --> 01:08:03,546
These pipelines link
the state to larger
260
01:08:03,546 --> 01:08:05,881
natural gas reserves across the country.
261
01:08:06,348 --> 01:08:08,884
Underground pipelines
are one of the safest ways
262
01:08:08,884 --> 01:08:11,821
of delivering energy protected
from storms and weather.
263
01:08:12,021 --> 01:08:14,590
Rail derailments
and vehicle accidents.
264
01:08:15,091 --> 01:08:18,160
Pipelines run silently
and safely through neighborhoods,
265
01:08:18,160 --> 01:08:19,195
state parks,
266
01:08:19,195 --> 01:08:20,896
wildlife management areas,
267
01:08:21,097 --> 01:08:22,832
and all the way to your home.
268
01:08:23,499 --> 01:08:25,768
Maintaining the safety and reliability
269
01:08:25,768 --> 01:08:27,736
of this infrastructure is essential.
270
01:08:28,104 --> 01:08:30,606
Engineers and technicians
are constantly working
271
01:08:30,606 --> 01:08:32,341
to inspect, maintain
272
01:08:32,341 --> 01:08:34,043
and upgrade pipelines.
273
01:08:34,043 --> 01:08:36,846
With billions invested
in maintenance and safety.
274
01:08:37,046 --> 01:08:39,582
The state's natural gas network
continues to meet
275
01:08:39,582 --> 01:08:41,484
the high demands of New Jersey’s
276
01:08:41,517 --> 01:08:43,185
growing population.
277
01:08:43,185 --> 01:08:46,388
In fact, utilities
are investing millions of dollars
278
01:08:46,388 --> 01:08:48,457
each year in advanced technologies
279
01:08:48,657 --> 01:08:50,726
that help monitor pipeline integrity.
280
01:08:51,060 --> 01:08:53,796
These investments ensure
that systems are maintained
281
01:08:53,796 --> 01:08:55,498
to the highest safety standards
282
01:08:55,664 --> 01:08:58,134
and reduce the risk of leaks
or disruptions
283
01:08:58,601 --> 01:09:00,202
to ensure natural gas flows
284
01:09:00,202 --> 01:09:01,904
smoothly over long distances.
285
01:09:02,138 --> 01:09:04,306
Compressor stations are strategically
286
01:09:04,306 --> 01:09:05,908
placed along pipelines.
287
01:09:05,908 --> 01:09:07,810
These stations
help maintain pressure,
288
01:09:07,977 --> 01:09:11,113
allowing gas to travel
thousands of miles safely
289
01:09:11,113 --> 01:09:14,150
from production areas
to local distribution networks.
290
01:09:14,650 --> 01:09:16,318
Once the gas reaches New Jersey,
291
01:09:16,485 --> 01:09:18,821
it enters
the local distribution systems
292
01:09:18,821 --> 01:09:21,490
that deliver it directly to homes
and businesses.
293
01:09:21,957 --> 01:09:24,760
These distribution lines,
which are typically smaller than
294
01:09:24,760 --> 01:09:26,762
the main pipelines, branch out
295
01:09:26,762 --> 01:09:28,464
across towns and neighborhoods.
296
01:09:28,964 --> 01:09:31,500
Utility companies like PSEG,
297
01:09:31,500 --> 01:09:32,768
New Jersey Natural Gas,
298
01:09:32,768 --> 01:09:34,537
and South Jersey Industries
299
01:09:34,537 --> 01:09:37,072
play an essential role
in this process.
300
01:09:37,806 --> 01:09:40,276
They manage the distribution
network, ensuring
301
01:09:40,276 --> 01:09:42,711
that natural gas is available
for consumers
302
01:09:42,711 --> 01:09:45,714
when they need it most, whether
for heating during the winter,
303
01:09:45,881 --> 01:09:47,583
or cooking on a stove.
304
01:09:47,616 --> 01:09:48,951
Natural gas appliances
305
01:09:48,951 --> 01:09:50,653
are common in New Jersey homes,
306
01:09:50,986 --> 01:09:52,721
from stoves to water heaters.
307
01:09:52,888 --> 01:09:55,658
These systems provide efficiency
and reliability,
308
01:09:55,858 --> 01:09:57,560
helping to lower energy costs
309
01:09:57,560 --> 01:10:00,496
while reducing emissions
compared to other fossil fuels.
310
01:10:00,496 --> 01:10:02,231
As New Jersey continues
311
01:10:02,231 --> 01:10:04,233
to invest and grow, alternative
312
01:10:04,233 --> 01:10:05,968
but intermittent energy sources
313
01:10:05,968 --> 01:10:08,904
like wind and solar,
natural gas will continue
314
01:10:08,904 --> 01:10:11,674
to play a key role
in providing reliable power
315
01:10:11,807 --> 01:10:14,710
while supporting the efforts
to reduce overall emissions.
316
01:10:15,211 --> 01:10:16,879
After Superstorm Sandy,
317
01:10:16,879 --> 01:10:19,715
Princeton University
and Montclair State University
318
01:10:19,715 --> 01:10:22,851
both built microgrids
that will allow the universities
319
01:10:22,851 --> 01:10:25,020
to continue to function
during blackouts.
320
01:10:25,487 --> 01:10:27,723
These microgrids
feature solar power
321
01:10:27,723 --> 01:10:29,858
backed up by natural gas generators.
322
01:10:30,159 --> 01:10:33,028
Communities and hospitals
throughout the state are looking
323
01:10:33,028 --> 01:10:34,730
at similar solutions.
324
01:10:34,830 --> 01:10:36,498
And in an exciting development,
325
01:10:36,765 --> 01:10:39,602
New Jersey's natural gas
utilities are also leading
326
01:10:39,602 --> 01:10:41,604
the way in integrating hydrogen
327
01:10:41,604 --> 01:10:43,305
into the natural gas system
328
01:10:43,439 --> 01:10:45,741
Through a process
called hydrogen blending,
329
01:10:45,975 --> 01:10:49,078
utilities are injecting hydrogen
into existing pipelines,
330
01:10:49,078 --> 01:10:51,680
creating an even
cleaner energy mix.
331
01:10:52,214 --> 01:10:54,783
Hydrogen, when blended
with natural gas, can
332
01:10:54,783 --> 01:10:57,886
significantly reduce the carbon
footprint of energy usage.
333
01:10:58,287 --> 01:10:59,888
The process involves mixing
334
01:10:59,888 --> 01:11:02,825
hydrogen with traditional natural
gas to create
335
01:11:02,825 --> 01:11:05,928
a blend that further reduces
greenhouse gas emissions,
336
01:11:05,928 --> 01:11:07,830
while maintaining the reliability
337
01:11:07,830 --> 01:11:09,498
and efficiency of the system.
338
01:11:09,999 --> 01:11:12,067
Hydrogen
blending is already being tested
339
01:11:12,067 --> 01:11:13,502
in parts of New Jersey.
340
01:11:13,502 --> 01:11:16,071
Utilities are continuing
to research how different
341
01:11:16,071 --> 01:11:19,241
concentrations of hydrogen
can be blended with natural gas
342
01:11:19,341 --> 01:11:22,344
to reduce emissions,
without compromising the safety
343
01:11:22,344 --> 01:11:25,147
or performance of appliances
and infrastructure,
344
01:11:25,581 --> 01:11:26,982
and green hydrogen
345
01:11:26,982 --> 01:11:28,784
produced using renewable energy
346
01:11:28,784 --> 01:11:32,187
may play an important role
in reducing the greenhouse gas
347
01:11:32,187 --> 01:11:35,124
emissions of the transportation
and logistics industry.
348
01:11:35,257 --> 01:11:37,026
One of the largest and fastest
349
01:11:37,026 --> 01:11:38,727
growing industries in the state.
350
01:11:39,094 --> 01:11:41,196
This effort is part
of New Jersey's broader
351
01:11:41,196 --> 01:11:43,299
strategy to create a low carbon
352
01:11:43,299 --> 01:11:45,401
future by blending hydrogen
353
01:11:45,401 --> 01:11:47,269
into the natural
gas infrastructure.
354
01:11:47,469 --> 01:11:50,039
The state is taking
meaningful steps to reach its
355
01:11:50,039 --> 01:11:53,876
environmental goals. With ongoing
advancements in technology,
356
01:11:53,909 --> 01:11:56,645
the natural gas industry
is constantly evolving.
357
01:11:56,879 --> 01:11:59,648
Utilities continue
to invest in safety protocols,
358
01:11:59,815 --> 01:12:02,851
including real time
monitoring systems and advanced
359
01:12:02,851 --> 01:12:05,821
leak detection technologies,
ensuring that New Jersey's
360
01:12:05,821 --> 01:12:08,357
natural gas infrastructure
remains as safe
361
01:12:08,557 --> 01:12:11,360
and environmentally responsible
as possible.
362
01:12:11,760 --> 01:12:13,862
According to the
American Gas Association,
363
01:12:14,096 --> 01:12:16,265
Only 1 in 650 gas
364
01:12:16,265 --> 01:12:19,034
customers will experience
an outage in a given year,
365
01:12:19,168 --> 01:12:22,338
as opposed to one out
of every one electric consumer.
366
01:12:22,738 --> 01:12:24,106
Also, collectively,
367
01:12:24,106 --> 01:12:25,941
the natural gas companies
in New Jersey
368
01:12:25,941 --> 01:12:27,976
have invested
tens of billions of dollars
369
01:12:27,976 --> 01:12:31,447
in infrastructure improvements
and modernization in our state.
370
01:12:31,447 --> 01:12:34,817
Continued investment
in modernization is critical.
371
01:12:35,117 --> 01:12:36,585
Over the next few years,
372
01:12:36,585 --> 01:12:38,654
New Jersey
will see further improvements,
373
01:12:38,854 --> 01:12:41,090
including replacing
aging pipelines,
374
01:12:41,323 --> 01:12:43,125
expanding the distribution network,
375
01:12:43,125 --> 01:12:45,994
and increasing the use
of sustainable practices
376
01:12:45,994 --> 01:12:49,031
to reduce the carbon
footprint of natural gas usage.
377
01:12:49,565 --> 01:12:52,501
As the demand for energy
grows, New Jersey's
378
01:12:52,501 --> 01:12:55,904
natural gas infrastructure
remains at the heart of powering
379
01:12:55,904 --> 01:12:59,241
homes, businesses
and industries across the state.
380
01:12:59,641 --> 01:13:02,311
It's the backbone
of modern energy delivery,
381
01:13:02,478 --> 01:13:04,413
ensuring that energy is there
382
01:13:04,413 --> 01:13:06,115
when we need it most.
383
01:13:06,315 --> 01:13:07,850
New Jersey's natural gas
384
01:13:07,850 --> 01:13:10,719
infrastructure: reliable, resilient,
385
01:13:10,986 --> 01:13:13,522
affordable,
and ready for the future.
386
01:14:16,251 --> 01:14:17,286
Imagine flipping
387
01:14:17,286 --> 01:14:19,888
a switch and instantly
lighting up a room.
388
01:14:20,289 --> 01:14:22,124
You don't think twice about it.
389
01:14:22,124 --> 01:14:25,160
But what happens behind the
scenes is pretty complex.
390
01:14:25,527 --> 01:14:27,029
From generating electricity
391
01:14:27,029 --> 01:14:29,097
at power plants
and getting it to your home,
392
01:14:29,298 --> 01:14:32,000
there's an intricate system
that ensures your lights
393
01:14:32,000 --> 01:14:34,770
stay on and your devices
stay charged.
394
01:14:35,204 --> 01:14:37,206
This is the electrical grid.
395
01:14:37,206 --> 01:14:40,375
One of the most important
inventions of modern times,
396
01:14:40,375 --> 01:14:42,945
and one of the largest
systems ever built.
397
01:14:43,245 --> 01:14:45,247
But how exactly does it work?
398
01:14:45,481 --> 01:14:47,416
First, let's break it down.
399
01:14:47,416 --> 01:14:49,451
The electrical grid
is essentially
400
01:14:49,451 --> 01:14:51,320
a network
of power generation,
401
01:14:51,320 --> 01:14:53,355
transmission and distribution
402
01:14:53,555 --> 01:14:55,491
that delivers electricity from power
403
01:14:55,491 --> 01:14:57,493
plants, to homes and businesses.
404
01:14:57,793 --> 01:14:59,828
It's made up of three main components:
405
01:15:00,329 --> 01:15:02,231
Power generation, where
406
01:15:02,231 --> 01:15:04,233
electricity is created.
407
01:15:04,333 --> 01:15:05,501
Transmission,
408
01:15:05,501 --> 01:15:07,135
how electricity is sent.
409
01:15:07,135 --> 01:15:08,637
long distances.
410
01:15:08,637 --> 01:15:09,438
Distribution,
411
01:15:09,805 --> 01:15:12,407
how electricity is delivered
to your home.
412
01:15:12,975 --> 01:15:15,010
In New Jersey,
power generation
413
01:15:15,010 --> 01:15:17,012
happens through
a variety of sources.
414
01:15:17,346 --> 01:15:20,082
The state doesn't just rely
on one type of energy.
415
01:15:20,382 --> 01:15:22,384
The energy mix is diverse,
416
01:15:22,384 --> 01:15:25,621
with fossil fuels, nuclear
and renewable sources
417
01:15:25,621 --> 01:15:28,524
like solar and wind all
contributing.
418
01:15:28,524 --> 01:15:29,424
Natural gas.
419
01:15:29,892 --> 01:15:32,160
the state's largest source
of electricity.
420
01:15:32,594 --> 01:15:35,063
New Jersey has several
natural gas plants
421
01:15:35,063 --> 01:15:38,467
that create steam to turn
turbines and generate power.
422
01:15:39,001 --> 01:15:40,035
Nuclear.
423
01:15:40,035 --> 01:15:42,538
New Jersey
also relies on nuclear power
424
01:15:42,538 --> 01:15:44,640
plants from plants
like the Salem
425
01:15:44,640 --> 01:15:46,708
and Hope Creek
Generating Stations,
426
01:15:46,909 --> 01:15:48,677
producing
a significant portion
427
01:15:48,677 --> 01:15:51,046
of the state's energy
without carbon emissions.
428
01:15:51,647 --> 01:15:53,282
Renewable energy.
429
01:15:53,282 --> 01:15:55,751
New Jersey is a leader
in solar energy
430
01:15:55,884 --> 01:15:58,220
and offshore
wind on the horizon.
431
01:15:58,654 --> 01:16:01,757
The state aims to reach
100% clean energy
432
01:16:01,890 --> 01:16:03,859
by 2035.
433
01:16:03,859 --> 01:16:05,594
Once the power is generated,
434
01:16:05,594 --> 01:16:07,596
it needs to travel
to your home.
435
01:16:07,696 --> 01:16:10,032
This happens through high
voltage transmission
436
01:16:10,032 --> 01:16:12,801
lines that stretch across
the states and beyond,
437
01:16:13,235 --> 01:16:16,038
forming a network
of interconnected grids.
438
01:16:16,505 --> 01:16:18,440
These transmission lines
are designed
439
01:16:18,440 --> 01:16:21,009
to carry electricity
over long distances,
440
01:16:21,310 --> 01:16:23,145
usually at high voltage,
441
01:16:23,145 --> 01:16:25,147
to reduce energy loss.
442
01:16:25,147 --> 01:16:28,116
New Jersey is part
of the PJM interconnection,
443
01:16:28,383 --> 01:16:30,552
a regional transmission
organization
444
01:16:30,552 --> 01:16:33,288
that helps manage the grid
from parts of the Midwest
445
01:16:33,455 --> 01:16:35,457
all the way to the East Coast.
446
01:16:35,657 --> 01:16:38,694
PJM coordinates
the supply of electricity
447
01:16:38,694 --> 01:16:42,130
and ensures reliability,
balancing demand with
448
01:16:42,130 --> 01:16:45,067
the available generation
across multiple states.
449
01:16:45,701 --> 01:16:48,270
Now, before the electricity
can reach your home,
450
01:16:48,537 --> 01:16:50,706
it needs to be sent to
substations.
451
01:16:51,139 --> 01:16:53,241
Substations are key facilities
452
01:16:53,241 --> 01:16:54,710
that reduce the high voltage
453
01:16:54,710 --> 01:16:57,045
electricity from the transmission lines
454
01:16:57,045 --> 01:17:00,549
to lower, safer voltages
for local distribution.
455
01:17:01,083 --> 01:17:02,250
Think of substations
456
01:17:02,250 --> 01:17:04,319
like a traffic light
at an intersection.
457
01:17:04,620 --> 01:17:06,855
They manage
the flow of electricity.
458
01:17:07,155 --> 01:17:09,891
Without them, your lights
wouldn't work properly.
459
01:17:10,225 --> 01:17:13,061
These substations are
scattered across New Jersey,
460
01:17:13,261 --> 01:17:15,731
ensuring that power reaches
every neighborhood,
461
01:17:15,964 --> 01:17:18,800
from the bustling cities
to the quiet suburbs.
462
01:17:19,267 --> 01:17:22,304
Once the voltage is reduced,
it's time to distribute
463
01:17:22,304 --> 01:17:24,539
the electricity
to homes and businesses.
464
01:17:25,073 --> 01:17:26,508
This happens
through a network
465
01:17:26,508 --> 01:17:28,510
of local distribution lines.
466
01:17:28,543 --> 01:17:31,179
The familiar power lines
you see along streets.
467
01:17:31,613 --> 01:17:34,549
These lines deliver
electricity to transformers
468
01:17:34,549 --> 01:17:37,419
mounted on utility poles
that convert the power
469
01:17:37,419 --> 01:17:40,255
to the appropriate voltage
for individual use.
470
01:17:40,689 --> 01:17:43,692
When you flip a switch, it's
that power flowing
471
01:17:43,692 --> 01:17:45,894
through these distribution
lines ready
472
01:17:45,894 --> 01:17:48,330
to turn on your lights,
your refrigerator,
473
01:17:48,363 --> 01:17:51,933
your TV, and everything
else that needs electricity.
474
01:17:52,968 --> 01:17:54,703
One of the
trickiest parts of running
475
01:17:54,703 --> 01:17:56,004
the grid is making sure
476
01:17:56,004 --> 01:17:58,340
there's always enough power
to meet demand.
477
01:17:58,674 --> 01:18:01,009
Electricity
can't be stored efficiently,
478
01:18:01,243 --> 01:18:04,379
so supply and demand
must always be in balance.
479
01:18:04,813 --> 01:18:07,582
This is why grid operators
like PJM
480
01:18:07,582 --> 01:18:10,252
monitor real time
electricity usage.
481
01:18:10,585 --> 01:18:12,587
When you're using
a lot of electricity,
482
01:18:12,888 --> 01:18:14,923
like when everyone's
turning on their air
483
01:18:14,923 --> 01:18:16,925
conditioning
during a summer heatwave,
484
01:18:17,192 --> 01:18:19,027
the grid needs to keep up.
485
01:18:19,027 --> 01:18:22,264
If there's too much demand,
that can cause blackouts.
486
01:18:22,664 --> 01:18:25,400
But if the grid is too big,
power plants
487
01:18:25,400 --> 01:18:28,704
might be underused, costing
energy companies money.
488
01:18:29,671 --> 01:18:31,740
Now, there has been
significant government
489
01:18:31,740 --> 01:18:34,876
investment in alternative
renewable energy sources.
490
01:18:35,110 --> 01:18:38,380
There's one significant
challenge: intermittency.
491
01:18:38,814 --> 01:18:42,017
This means that renewable
sources like solar and wind
492
01:18:42,150 --> 01:18:44,720
don't always generate power
when we need it.
493
01:18:44,720 --> 01:18:45,654
Most.
494
01:18:45,654 --> 01:18:47,956
Solar energy
depends on sunlight,
495
01:18:48,156 --> 01:18:50,392
so at night or on cloudy days,
496
01:18:50,659 --> 01:18:52,961
solar panels don't produce electricity.
497
01:18:53,261 --> 01:18:55,163
Solar technology
is almost at
498
01:18:55,163 --> 01:18:57,232
its maximum production
capability,
499
01:18:57,499 --> 01:19:00,168
meaning solar panels
themselves cannot convert
500
01:19:00,168 --> 01:19:03,138
more photons from the sun
than they already do.
501
01:19:03,505 --> 01:19:06,108
Wind energy
depends on wind conditions,
502
01:19:06,274 --> 01:19:08,210
which can be unpredictable.
503
01:19:08,210 --> 01:19:11,113
For example,
wind turbines shut down
504
01:19:11,113 --> 01:19:15,817
when wind speeds exceed
55mph, like during storms.
505
01:19:15,851 --> 01:19:17,319
To avoid damage.
506
01:19:17,319 --> 01:19:19,354
And without significant
subsidies,
507
01:19:19,354 --> 01:19:20,689
the cost to consumer
508
01:19:20,689 --> 01:19:23,291
can be significantly more
than other sources.
509
01:19:23,725 --> 01:19:25,727
This creates
a mismatch between
510
01:19:25,727 --> 01:19:28,163
when energy is available
and when it's needed.
511
01:19:28,630 --> 01:19:31,066
For example, on a sunny,
windy day,
512
01:19:31,199 --> 01:19:33,535
we might have more energy
than we can use.
513
01:19:33,802 --> 01:19:35,937
But during a calm, cloudy evening,
514
01:19:36,138 --> 01:19:38,240
the demand for power
is often higher,
515
01:19:38,507 --> 01:19:40,509
and renewable energy generation
516
01:19:40,509 --> 01:19:42,444
could be much lower.
517
01:19:42,444 --> 01:19:44,279
New Jersey is also upgrading
518
01:19:44,279 --> 01:19:47,249
its electrical grid
with smart grid technology.
519
01:19:47,582 --> 01:19:50,886
A smart grid uses
digital technology to detect
520
01:19:50,886 --> 01:19:53,922
and respond to changes in
electricity usage,
521
01:19:54,222 --> 01:19:57,159
helping to improve
efficiency and reliability.
522
01:19:57,492 --> 01:20:00,095
It can even help
reduce the impact of outages
523
01:20:00,228 --> 01:20:03,365
by quickly identifying
and isolating problems.
524
01:20:04,199 --> 01:20:06,401
Sometimes power outages happen.
525
01:20:06,401 --> 01:20:09,070
Severe weather
like hurricanes, snow
526
01:20:09,070 --> 01:20:12,407
storms, or even high winds
can knock out power lines.
527
01:20:12,707 --> 01:20:14,709
But New Jersey is prepared.
528
01:20:14,976 --> 01:20:17,412
Utilities like PSE&G,
529
01:20:17,412 --> 01:20:18,947
JC P&L
530
01:20:19,114 --> 01:20:21,283
and Atlantic City Electricity
531
01:20:21,316 --> 01:20:24,753
have extensive emergency
response systems in place.
532
01:20:25,153 --> 01:20:28,123
They work to restore
power quickly by dispatching
533
01:20:28,123 --> 01:20:30,992
repair crews, using drones
for inspections,
534
01:20:31,159 --> 01:20:33,962
and communicating with
the public in real time.
535
01:20:34,429 --> 01:20:36,264
Thanks to modern technology,
536
01:20:36,264 --> 01:20:39,034
outages are detected
faster and resolved
537
01:20:39,034 --> 01:20:41,069
more efficiently
than ever before.
538
01:20:41,503 --> 01:20:43,171
So whether it's powering
539
01:20:43,171 --> 01:20:45,707
your morning coffee
or charging your phone.
540
01:20:46,041 --> 01:20:47,776
New Jersey's electrical grid
541
01:20:47,776 --> 01:20:49,811
keeps everything
running smoothly.
542
01:20:50,045 --> 01:20:52,280
From power plants
to substations
543
01:20:52,547 --> 01:20:54,516
to the smart grid
of the future.
544
01:20:54,516 --> 01:20:57,319
Every part of the system
works together to deliver
545
01:20:57,319 --> 01:21:00,222
reliable electricity
right to your door.
546
01:21:00,655 --> 01:21:02,390
The grid isn't perfect.
547
01:21:02,390 --> 01:21:04,392
There's always room
for improvement.
548
01:21:04,392 --> 01:21:06,294
But thanks to smart
technology,
549
01:21:06,294 --> 01:21:08,830
renewable energy,
and careful management,
550
01:21:08,997 --> 01:21:11,333
we're moving towards
a more sustainable
551
01:21:11,333 --> 01:21:13,368
and resilient energy future.
552
01:21:22,244 --> 01:21:24,045
Nestled along an old quarry
553
01:21:24,045 --> 01:21:25,814
lake in central Jersey,
554
01:21:25,847 --> 01:21:28,884
the soaring cranes of the local
825 training
555
01:21:28,884 --> 01:21:32,187
center can be seen
from the New Jersey Turnpike.
556
01:21:32,821 --> 01:21:34,522
This high tech facility
557
01:21:34,522 --> 01:21:36,691
is where
union operating engineers
558
01:21:36,725 --> 01:21:40,328
go to learn how to safely
operate cranes, dozers
559
01:21:40,528 --> 01:21:42,764
and other high powered,
heavy equipment
560
01:21:42,764 --> 01:21:45,467
seen at construction sites
around the state.
561
01:21:46,134 --> 01:21:49,671
Inside, they have construction
equipment, simulators,
562
01:21:49,971 --> 01:21:51,573
welding simulators
563
01:21:51,573 --> 01:21:53,375
and classrooms.
564
01:21:53,375 --> 01:21:55,877
Outside, they have instructors
565
01:21:55,877 --> 01:21:58,380
teaching them the finer
points of their trade.
566
01:21:59,247 --> 01:22:01,283
Next time
you're on the new Jersey
567
01:22:01,283 --> 01:22:04,085
Turnpike between exits
eight and nine,
568
01:22:04,286 --> 01:22:06,554
look for us on the southbound
side.
569
01:22:07,355 --> 01:22:10,258
Local 825 operating engineers.
570
01:22:10,892 --> 01:22:13,628
The best trained
operating engineers
571
01:22:13,628 --> 01:22:15,430
in New Jersey.
572
01:22:16,998 --> 01:22:19,000
Nestled beneath
the mighty Hudson River,
573
01:22:19,134 --> 01:22:21,036
the tunnels that
connect New York City
574
01:22:21,036 --> 01:22:23,138
and New Jersey
have served as vital
575
01:22:23,138 --> 01:22:25,874
arteries of transportation
for over a century.
576
01:22:26,241 --> 01:22:29,277
Their history is a testament
to engineering prowess,
577
01:22:29,277 --> 01:22:32,480
economic necessity,
and the enduring role of labor
578
01:22:32,480 --> 01:22:34,883
unions in shaping our
region's infrastructure.
579
01:22:35,116 --> 01:22:37,953
The story begins in the late
19th century,
580
01:22:38,086 --> 01:22:40,388
amidst a rapidly
growing New York City.
581
01:22:40,655 --> 01:22:43,591
As the population
booms and commerce flourishes,
582
01:22:43,625 --> 01:22:45,760
the need for efficient
transportation
583
01:22:45,760 --> 01:22:47,963
links between Manhattan
and New Jersey
584
01:22:47,963 --> 01:22:51,032
and the rest of the country
becomes increasingly urgent.
585
01:22:51,499 --> 01:22:54,135
In 1908, construction
commenced on
586
01:22:54,135 --> 01:22:56,571
what would become
the first pair of Hudson River
587
01:22:56,571 --> 01:22:59,607
tunnels, engineered
by the Pennsylvania Railroad,
588
01:22:59,774 --> 01:23:01,643
spanning from Weehawken,
new Jersey,
589
01:23:01,643 --> 01:23:03,678
to Manhattan's
Pennsylvania Station.
590
01:23:03,778 --> 01:23:05,480
These tunnels are engineering
591
01:23:05,480 --> 01:23:08,583
marvels, employing cutting edge
tunneling techniques
592
01:23:08,583 --> 01:23:11,286
and reinforcing the riverbed
against the relentless
593
01:23:11,286 --> 01:23:13,088
pressure of the Hudson River.
594
01:23:13,121 --> 01:23:14,889
Completed in 1910,
595
01:23:14,889 --> 01:23:17,826
the tunnels quickly
became a lifeline for commuters
596
01:23:17,826 --> 01:23:21,029
and freight alike, enabling
the efficient movement of goods
597
01:23:21,029 --> 01:23:23,565
and people between New Jersey
and New York City.
598
01:23:23,865 --> 01:23:26,368
They symbolized progress
and prosperity,
599
01:23:26,368 --> 01:23:28,169
and fueled the economic growth
600
01:23:28,169 --> 01:23:29,971
of the entire region.
601
01:23:30,105 --> 01:23:33,108
Over the decades,
these tunnels witnessed wars,
602
01:23:33,108 --> 01:23:36,911
economic downturns, and periods
of immense regional growth.
603
01:23:37,045 --> 01:23:40,248
They bear witness to the rise
and fall of industries, yet
604
01:23:40,248 --> 01:23:42,517
they remain steadfast
in their role
605
01:23:42,517 --> 01:23:45,420
as essential infrastructure
for the Northeast Corridor.
606
01:23:45,820 --> 01:23:47,389
However, the passage of time
607
01:23:47,389 --> 01:23:49,190
is not kind to infrastructure.
608
01:23:49,224 --> 01:23:52,060
Increased traffic, harsh
weather conditions and the
609
01:23:52,060 --> 01:23:54,929
relentless march of corrosion
take their toll.
610
01:23:54,963 --> 01:23:56,231
Members of the House Committee
611
01:23:56,231 --> 01:23:58,099
on Transportation
and Infrastructure
612
01:23:58,266 --> 01:23:59,934
toured
the century old North River
613
01:23:59,934 --> 01:24:02,037
rail tunnel under the Hudson
Thursday night.
614
01:24:02,337 --> 01:24:04,239
It's part of the larger
gateway Project,
615
01:24:04,239 --> 01:24:06,241
which would replace
the deteriorating tunnel
616
01:24:06,374 --> 01:24:08,143
linking
Amtrak's Northeast Corridor
617
01:24:08,143 --> 01:24:09,911
between New York
and New Jersey.
618
01:24:09,944 --> 01:24:12,080
In 2012, Super Storm
619
01:24:12,080 --> 01:24:14,749
Sandy devastates
the region and floods
620
01:24:14,749 --> 01:24:16,785
the tunnels
with corrosive saltwater.
621
01:24:17,052 --> 01:24:19,788
The saltwater eats away
at all of the electrical
622
01:24:19,788 --> 01:24:22,724
and signaling systems
in the tunnel, and accelerates
623
01:24:22,724 --> 01:24:24,793
the deterioration
of the tunnel walls.
624
01:24:24,993 --> 01:24:26,828
The need
for a modern, resilient
625
01:24:26,828 --> 01:24:29,597
transportation link
becomes more urgent than ever.
626
01:24:30,031 --> 01:24:32,667
Additionally, trains
traveling to New York City
627
01:24:32,667 --> 01:24:34,702
must cross
over the Portal Bridge.
628
01:24:34,736 --> 01:24:37,338
Another relic from the past,
based on bridge
629
01:24:37,338 --> 01:24:39,174
designs from the 1840s.
630
01:24:39,207 --> 01:24:41,743
The Portal Bridge
also opened in 1910.
631
01:24:42,010 --> 01:24:44,145
Today,
the old bridge must be open
632
01:24:44,145 --> 01:24:47,615
regularly to let barge traffic
navigate the Hackensack River,
633
01:24:47,649 --> 01:24:50,351
but the bridge is so old
that it regularly gets stuck
634
01:24:50,351 --> 01:24:52,821
opening or closing,
causing more delays.
635
01:24:52,921 --> 01:24:55,290
While the Gateway Tunnel
is the tunnels from New York
636
01:24:55,290 --> 01:24:58,793
to New Jersey, it carries
200,000 passengers a day,
637
01:24:59,327 --> 01:25:00,728
450 trains
638
01:25:00,728 --> 01:25:02,530
between Newark
and Penn Station.
639
01:25:02,630 --> 01:25:05,834
It's 13% of Manhattan's workforce
640
01:25:05,834 --> 01:25:08,069
lives in northern New Jersey
along the rail lines.
641
01:25:08,603 --> 01:25:11,072
The amount of the GDP is about
642
01:25:11,072 --> 01:25:14,309
20% of the US GDP
that travels along.
643
01:25:14,309 --> 01:25:16,244
There, and the tunnels are
110 years old.
644
01:25:16,277 --> 01:25:18,012
We don't have the
capacity anymore.
645
01:25:18,012 --> 01:25:20,215
We don't have the capacity,
and the capacity
646
01:25:20,215 --> 01:25:22,884
we do have is aging
and in need of repair.
647
01:25:22,917 --> 01:25:26,554
Enter the gateway project,
a visionary initiative
648
01:25:26,554 --> 01:25:29,757
aimed at securing the future
of Trans Hudson Transportation.
649
01:25:29,958 --> 01:25:32,393
Conceived
as a comprehensive overhaul
650
01:25:32,393 --> 01:25:34,729
and expansion
of the existing infrastructure,
651
01:25:34,796 --> 01:25:38,266
the Gateway Project seeks to
build new tunnels, rehabilitate
652
01:25:38,266 --> 01:25:41,002
the existing ones, replace
the old Portal Bridge,
653
01:25:41,002 --> 01:25:43,638
and ensure a more reliable
and resilient connection
654
01:25:43,638 --> 01:25:45,707
between New Jersey
and New York City.
655
01:25:45,807 --> 01:25:48,776
When completed, the Gateway
Project will support more
656
01:25:48,776 --> 01:25:51,412
one seat rides between
New Jersey and New York.
657
01:25:51,913 --> 01:25:54,616
Central to the Gateway
project is the construction
658
01:25:54,616 --> 01:25:57,252
of two new rail
tunnels under the Hudson River.
659
01:25:57,385 --> 01:25:59,787
These tunnels, designed
the modern standards,
660
01:25:59,787 --> 01:26:03,091
will not only increase
capacity, but also provide much
661
01:26:03,091 --> 01:26:06,161
needed redundancy in the event
of emergencies or maintenance.
662
01:26:06,528 --> 01:26:08,296
Building
tunnels under a major river
663
01:26:08,296 --> 01:26:10,632
like the Hudson presents
unique challenges.
664
01:26:10,698 --> 01:26:12,867
We're employing
state of the art, tunnel boring
665
01:26:12,867 --> 01:26:14,802
machines and advanced materials
666
01:26:14,802 --> 01:26:17,138
to ensure
both safety and efficiency.
667
01:26:17,405 --> 01:26:18,940
We recognize that
668
01:26:18,940 --> 01:26:21,276
the whole gateway
and that gateway is the tunnels
669
01:26:21,276 --> 01:26:23,077
and the bridges
and the Hawley approaches
670
01:26:23,745 --> 01:26:26,814
is critical nationally,
not just to New York
671
01:26:26,814 --> 01:26:28,816
and New Jersey,
not just to the north
672
01:26:28,816 --> 01:26:31,686
East region,
but the entire United States.
673
01:26:31,786 --> 01:26:35,056
The Gateway Project is,
without exaggeration, the most
674
01:26:35,056 --> 01:26:38,026
important infrastructure
project in the country.
675
01:26:38,560 --> 01:26:41,029
It's the largest infrastructure
project in U.S.
676
01:26:41,029 --> 01:26:42,964
history, building
two new tunnels
677
01:26:42,964 --> 01:26:44,832
connecting new Jersey
and New York.
678
01:26:45,099 --> 01:26:46,734
The $16 billion Gateway
679
01:26:46,734 --> 01:26:48,937
Tunnel project received a $6.8
680
01:26:48,937 --> 01:26:51,172
billion full funding grant
681
01:26:51,172 --> 01:26:53,041
from the federal government
to make it happen.
682
01:26:53,408 --> 01:26:56,344
The project will provide two
new tunnels under the Hudson
683
01:26:56,511 --> 01:26:59,280
while improving the existing
aging tunnels.
684
01:26:59,380 --> 01:27:01,182
The federal government
recognizes
685
01:27:01,182 --> 01:27:04,452
its importance
and is contributing $12 billion
686
01:27:04,452 --> 01:27:07,255
in funding of this $16
billion project.
687
01:27:07,355 --> 01:27:09,390
The remaining 4 billion
is being split
688
01:27:09,390 --> 01:27:11,192
between new Jersey
and New York.
689
01:27:11,226 --> 01:27:13,628
The light
at the end of the Gateway
690
01:27:13,661 --> 01:27:17,131
Tunnel is signed,
sealed and delivered.
691
01:27:17,432 --> 01:27:20,568
This is a great American
project.
692
01:27:21,369 --> 01:27:24,372
This region of New York
and New Jersey
693
01:27:24,372 --> 01:27:27,675
is the most economically
productive region
694
01:27:27,675 --> 01:27:30,011
in all of America,
and one of the most
695
01:27:30,011 --> 01:27:31,813
economically productive regions
696
01:27:31,980 --> 01:27:33,781
in all of the world.
697
01:27:34,082 --> 01:27:36,551
Integral to the construction
and maintenance of these
698
01:27:36,551 --> 01:27:38,319
tunnels are the dedicated men
699
01:27:38,319 --> 01:27:40,421
and women of various labor unions.
700
01:27:40,622 --> 01:27:42,724
From the skilled tunnel workers
who braved
701
01:27:42,724 --> 01:27:44,993
the depths of the Hudson
to the electricians
702
01:27:44,993 --> 01:27:48,096
and engineers ensuring
safety and efficiency, Union
703
01:27:48,096 --> 01:27:51,165
labor plays a crucial role
in every phase of the project.
704
01:27:51,432 --> 01:27:54,068
This isn't just about money
for rail.
705
01:27:54,102 --> 01:27:55,970
This is about jobs and economic
706
01:27:55,970 --> 01:27:58,273
opportunity for our region.
707
01:27:58,273 --> 01:27:59,474
This has a double effect.
708
01:27:59,474 --> 01:28:01,276
It has an effect
first and foremost.
709
01:28:01,309 --> 01:28:02,844
All the construction jobs,
710
01:28:02,844 --> 01:28:04,612
all the good paying
middle class jobs,
711
01:28:04,612 --> 01:28:07,048
they will go into
a massive project like this.
712
01:28:07,382 --> 01:28:09,651
But by opening up
these arteries and increasing
713
01:28:09,651 --> 01:28:11,519
the flow of economic activity
in our region,
714
01:28:11,753 --> 01:28:14,355
it will create other jobs,
business opportunities.
715
01:28:14,489 --> 01:28:15,490
So many things.
716
01:28:15,490 --> 01:28:17,058
The port area
that we're standing in
717
01:28:17,058 --> 01:28:18,293
right now
is an example of that.
718
01:28:18,293 --> 01:28:21,763
By us, by our grandparents
investing in this area,
719
01:28:21,763 --> 01:28:23,431
building up
this port infrastructure.
720
01:28:23,431 --> 01:28:25,533
Here we are talking about
thousands of jobs
721
01:28:25,533 --> 01:28:27,702
coming to our region,
being built upon infrastructure
722
01:28:27,835 --> 01:28:29,003
that already exists.
723
01:28:29,003 --> 01:28:30,772
What if we expand
that infrastructure
724
01:28:30,772 --> 01:28:33,074
and create those logistics
capabilities?
725
01:28:33,341 --> 01:28:34,942
It just creates more
726
01:28:34,942 --> 01:28:36,911
jobs, more opportunity.
727
01:28:36,911 --> 01:28:37,245
And that's
728
01:28:37,245 --> 01:28:40,148
what it's about for families
in Bayonne, for families
729
01:28:40,948 --> 01:28:42,183
in Essex County,
730
01:28:42,183 --> 01:28:44,352
Hudson County,
Union County, Bergen County.
731
01:28:44,652 --> 01:28:46,754
All northern New Jersey
and beyond.
732
01:28:46,754 --> 01:28:49,090
This is an opportunity
to create incredible
733
01:28:49,090 --> 01:28:51,726
opportunities for economic
growth, economic prosperity.
734
01:28:51,759 --> 01:28:53,294
That's what
we should all be fighting for,
735
01:28:53,294 --> 01:28:55,096
is the Gateway
Project progresses.
736
01:28:55,096 --> 01:28:58,232
Collaboration between labor
unions, government agencies
737
01:28:58,232 --> 01:29:00,635
and private contractors
will be essential.
738
01:29:00,868 --> 01:29:03,871
Together, they strive
to overcome obstacles,
739
01:29:04,005 --> 01:29:07,108
uphold safety standards
and deliver a transportation
740
01:29:07,108 --> 01:29:09,911
network that meets the needs
of future generations.
741
01:29:10,144 --> 01:29:11,746
It's the gateway
to the gateway, right?
742
01:29:11,746 --> 01:29:13,548
This section of work
will take two years.
743
01:29:13,748 --> 01:29:15,550
It's a
once in a generational project
744
01:29:15,550 --> 01:29:17,318
and we're all here.
We all love it.
745
01:29:17,318 --> 01:29:19,120
And it's, Can't
wait to get it done.
746
01:29:19,220 --> 01:29:21,189
It is the most urgent
infrastructure project
747
01:29:21,189 --> 01:29:21,656
in the country.
748
01:29:21,656 --> 01:29:24,092
It is a critical fracture point
749
01:29:24,192 --> 01:29:25,960
for the entire nation's
economy.
750
01:29:25,960 --> 01:29:27,895
As the sun sets over
the Hudson.
751
01:29:28,096 --> 01:29:29,897
One thing remains clear.
752
01:29:29,997 --> 01:29:31,833
The story of the Hudson rail
753
01:29:31,833 --> 01:29:34,502
tunnels is one of resilience,
innovation,
754
01:29:34,535 --> 01:29:36,371
and the collaborative efforts
of those
755
01:29:36,371 --> 01:29:38,539
who build and maintain
our infrastructure.
756
01:29:38,740 --> 01:29:40,842
With the gateway Project
on the horizon.
757
01:29:41,042 --> 01:29:43,945
The future of Trans Hudson
Transportation looks
758
01:29:43,945 --> 01:29:45,847
brighter than ever before.