VASAviation has created a video from the LiveATC recording. The new information in thereiis that the tower controller informed the pilot that he is above Highway 40, when the pilot became unsure, whether he would reach the runway. So in a way, it was a suggestion from ATC, to consider landing there, if all else fails
In an emergency situation, it is hard to refuse the only help you have right at that time. (OK, Sully is a different story.)