Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. was extremely disappointed that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has refused to allocate federal funds for the Hudson Tunnel portion of the Gateway Project.  The $12 billion tunnel project would fix the current 110-year-old Hudson Tunnel and build an additional tunnel to improve transportation between the New York and northern New Jersey corridor.  The FTA has rejected several applications for funding from project officials, even after those officials met requirements for approval.

The current Hudson Tunnel handles 200,000 trips daily and it is a crucial link in the popular Boston to Washington, D.C. route.  Amtrak officials have called the current tunnels unreliable and worry that the longer the project sits, the greater the likelihood of a disruption that could shut down the tunnel for months or longer.

Congressman Payne, Jr. said the Hudson Tunnel project should be funded to avoid a service shutdown or potential catastrophe from occurring.

“This is the most important infrastructure project in the country by every measure,” said Congressman Payne, Jr.  “It would provide jobs, increase the economies of New York and New Jersey, and make life easier for the thousands of commuters who use it daily.  President Obama agreed to fund half of the Hudson Tunnel project and President Trump broke that promise.  Once again, Trump is putting his own interests above the public interests and hurting American workers.  The Hudson Tunnel is an accident waiting to happen and needs immediate repairs.”

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