The New Jersey Senate has approved legislation that would help create a long-awaited transportation link between Atlantic City International Airport in Pomona and the tourism district centered around Atlantic City’s Boardwalk.
The chamber passed a bill sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina of Atlantic County meant to ease restrictions on the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority(CRDA) on how it can spend the money provided for tourism improvements through a portion of Atlantic City casino revenues.
Under the original gaming law, the CRDA is required to commit all of that revenue to projects directly in the tourism district and in Atlantic City neighborhoods. The Senate bill would allow the agency to divert some of those funds to link the airport with the tourism district, most likely via a rail line.
“Visitors from outside the area can easily book a flight to the city, but getting to and from the casinos and Tourism District is another story,” Polistina told the Press of Atlantic City. “This bill will authorize the CRDA to work with the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority and other entities to help develop a transportation solution.
“Utilizing the assets and influence of the CRDA to finally move ahead with meaningful transportation advances fits with the authority’s mission. The pressing social and economic needs of city residents would be well-served with better options to navigate between important sections of Atlantic City.”
A rail link already has been pushed by the Atlantic City Rail Line Coalition, formed in February 2021to work with planning agencies on formulating a transportation plan. What has been discussed is the creation of a stop at the airport in Pomona on the Atlantic City Rail Line that links the city with Philadelphia.
The Senate passed the CRDA measure by a 36-0 vote. A companion bill sponsored by Assemblyman Don Guardian is still in committee in the Assembly.
