Further controversy focused on bad DOT assumptions underlying the 2001 plan. DOT representatives said they believed they would have a newly funded Transportation Trust Fund, even though the proposal to re-fund it with a nickel gas tax hike died as early as June 1998. The three-year 2000 - 2002 TIP assumed at least a funding level about $100 million more than is available. DOT claimed it was further caught by surprise when Gov. Whitman's budget funded transportation at just $830 million from the general fund, rather than the "usual" $900 million or $1 billion. Elected officials from both sides of the aisle were skeptical and angry at these explanations.

The NJTPA director's report focused on federal agency concerns raised during the current MPO certification process - foremost was the high number amendments and modifications to the NJTPA TIP that DOT has requested or required.

Tri-State Transportation Campaign director Janine Bauer urged the freeholders to bring stability to future capital programs by supporting inclusion of spending controls in the state's Transportation Trust Fund renewal bill. Unless annual spending is tied to a real plan with objectives and performance measures, she said, the annual ritual - changed project plans, surprised and angry local officials, furious negotiations, compromised planning and constant amendments - will continue indefinitely.

Despite recent trends toward an overall maintenance and repair orientation, DOT's capital program is now swinging back to a steady rise in spending for new highway capacity, with continued underfunding for bike, pedestrian and rail freight programs.