The project is primarily funded through federal agencies and will improve a key link between New Jersey and New York City.
The $16 billion Gateway Tunnel project under the Hudson River celebrated the last key piece of funding in the form of a $6.88 billion federal check, reports Colleen Wilson for NorthJersey.com, putting the project ‘past the point of no return.’ Roughly 70 percent of the project is funded through federal dollars.
“Federal, state and local transportation officials came together on a blistering, humid Monday morning to celebrate the occasion of awarding the largest federal grant in U.S. Department of Transportation history for what many have dubbed the most urgent infrastructure project in the country.” The new, two-track rail tunnel will complement repairs to the existing rail tunnel that links Newark, New Jersey to New York City, which suffered damages in Hurricane Sandy that frequently disrupt rail service.
Wilson notes that “While construction has already begun and additional bids are expected to be awarded later this year, the new tunnel is are not expected to be completed until 2035, and the renovation of the older tunnel won't be finished until 2038.”
Read the full story: Gateway rail tunnel reaches 'point of no return' with $6.9 billion check
New Penn Station design won't move Madison Square Garden
Amtrak and federal officials agreed on a new plan for the station's redesign that may be largely funded by the federal government.
FRA Wants to Split Amtrak in 3, Sparking Privatization Fears
A proposal to restructure the rail agency could streamline accountability — or add more bureaucracy.
Judge Unfreezes NYC-to-NJ Gateway Tunnel Funds
Work on a new portion of the New York-to-New Jersey train tunnel was scheduled to halt last Friday if federal funds were not released.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority