The future of New York and New Jersey’s Gateway Tunnel Project is in doubt, reports Politico. Under President Trump’s proposed budget cuts there will be no way to fund the bi-state project.
The Gateway Project involves constructing two new rail tunnels underneath the Hudson River to connect New York and New Jersey.
The project was designed to replace Amtrak’s century old tunnels, which were severely corroded years ago during Hurricane Sandy. According to city officials, closing just one of the current tunnels for emergency repairs could be disastrous for commuters and the economies of both states, particularly since NJ Transit uses Amtrak’s tunnels to shuttle 200,000 daily commuters between New York and New Jersey.
“President Trump’s proposal to eliminate the New Starts program — and the Gateway Project along with it — is irresponsible, short-sighted, and demonstrates a complete failure of leadership,” said New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez to Politico.
White House officials say more funding could be available later in the year, but local officials on both sides of the Hudson agree that this is a project that can’t wait in the sidelines.
(Photo: Gateway Project)
