Frelinghuysen: Gateway/Hudson Rail Tunnels A Nat'l Priority

CHATHAM, NJ — As the federal government and the states of New York and New Jersey bicker about who should pay for the Gateway/Hudson River rail tunnel improvement project, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen wrote to federal transit officials last week that the Gateway/Hudson River Tunnels projects are a “national infrastructure priority” that needs to get done.

In a letter dated January 4, 2018 to FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams, Frelinghuysen wrote, “A project of this size and scope requires investment from all stakeholders and your vision too! I strongly encourage the Administration to support my state and New York in this effort.”

“I believe it is unrealistic for the Administration to expect the most important infrastructure project in the country to move forward without full participation and investment from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).”

Frelinghuysen’s letter was prompted by recent correspondence from Williams to New York state officials in which she denied the existence of a funding agreement for the first phase of the project.

“It is … imperative we pursue Gateway to ensure millions of Americans continue to access this vital economic Northeast Corridor that enables safe transportation of more than 800,000 daily riders, from Washington to Boston, in an area that supports approximately 20 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Further, this rail project serves as a critical choke point for Amtrak’s entire operation on the East Coast from Florida to Maine," Congressman Frelinghuysen wrote.

Frelinghuysen also reminded FTA Administrator Williams, “It is the responsibility of the House Committee on Appropriations to assure that such national priorities are met.”

Frelinghuysen, a Republican, represents New Jersey's 11th district, which includes Chatham and Morristown, and is also chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.