njt.jpg

Gov. Chris Christie said Thursday that an employee deviated from NJ Transit executive director Jim Weinstein's plan during Sandy.

(Star-Ledger file photo)

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie says a low-level manager — not the state's mass transit chief — was to blame for failing to move trains to higher ground during Superstorm Sandy, causing $120 million in damage.

Christie told The Record's editorial board on Thursday the employee deviated from a storm plan at the last minute without the knowledge of New Jersey Transit executive director Jim Weinstein.

The governor says the unnamed employee was a civil servant and because of civil service rules, could only be demoted and not fired.

However, the New Jersey Civil Service Commission website makes no reference to NJ Transit and the agency's job applications don't mention civil service requirements.

Sandy's surge overwhelmed low-lying rail yards in Hoboken and Kearny, damaging 273 rail cars and 82 locomotives.

RELATED COVERAGE

• NJ Transit using 'TrapBags' to act as a dam for Sandy-damaged rail yard



• Answering for a $120M mistake: Editorial

• NJ Transit officials must learn from Hurricane Sandy mistakes: Editorial

FOLLOW THE STAR-LEDGER: TWITTER • FACEBOOK • GOOGLE+