"The storm did unprecedented damage to our transportation system."
"As we devote resources to recovering from this storm, we have got to invest so we are better prepared for the future ones as well."
"Absolutely."
"Superstorm Sandy is a sign of things to come. In this changing climate, the intensity of storms has increased making extreme weather like Sandy more and more common."
"I know that there has got to be enormous frustration, enormous heartbreak in what you have seen."
"It is hard to imagine, but the water was 6 feet high."
"You can see that their tracks are visible through the water, and it is a shocking sight because you know what kind of damage this means and what we must do in such a hurry."
"We need to be looking to the future and making sure that we are making the right investments not only for our State but for the region and for the country."
"The damage to our infrastructure did not just cause structural problems, it shut down our region."
"Before we start, I would like to acknowledge the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, John Porcari."
"We almost need the constant reminders about the national heirloom of this event. This is not just regional."