Since Hudson County has to deal with both high population density and significant economic development along its waterfront, extensive capital investment in transportation is essential.

That's why we were encouraged that Sen. Robert Torricelli, D-NJ, emphasized at an editorial board session his commitement to getting a big share of federal aid for Hudson and how he's working with local elected officials in Hudson on helpful transportation projects.

For example, Torricelli credited Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler, a Republican, with enlisting his aid obtaining federal aid for a roadway through the Bergen Arches, to provide better road access from the western part of Jersey City to the waterfront.

Schundler and Torricelli argue persuasively that mixing waterfront-bound cars with cars heading to Manhattan through the Holland Tunnel causes traffic delays and as a result increases air pollution, hurting the city. Major waterfront businesses would gain from the Bergen Arches roadway, but if the Arches can reduce traffic delays, and by smoothing traffic flow reduce pollution, the city as a whole would also benefit.

Mass transit needs to be developed as well. That's why we're glad to see Torricelli back so strongly continued funding for the light rail line being built in Hudson, and even suggest expanding it to such locations as the Meadowlands sports complex. At an editorial board session Monday, Torricelli commented that "light rail has the highest federal priority in Hudson County."

While suburban commuters to waterfront sites may form part of the light rail ridership, it ought to be especially helpful to people commuting to waterfront jobs from older Hudson neighborhoods. We're glad Torricelli will be pushing hard in the Senate for continued progress on this project.