The Gateway Development Corporation will be formed by Amtrak, the U.S. Department of Transportation, New York, and New Jersey to replace the deteriorating 105-year-old Hudson River rail tunnels, a vital project that could cost $20 billion.
The announcement of the formation of the Gateway Development Corporation from Sens. Schumer (D-N.Y) and Booker (D-N.J.) "signaled the most significant progress yet on an effort federal officials have called one of the most important infrastructure proposals in the country," writes Emma G. Fitzsimmons for The New York Times.
"This agreement is a significant step forward for the Gateway project, which because of the current tunnel’s deteriorating condition and growing demand is among our nation’s most important infrastructure projects," stated Senator Cory Booker (D) of New Jersey in a press release.
The new corporation will be located within the within the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "It will be controlled by a four-member board with representatives from New York, New Jersey, Amtrak and the federal Transportation Department," adds Fizsimmons.
Amtrak and DOT will pay half the costs according to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Amtrak President N.Y. Gov.Andrew Cuomo and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie have agreed to pay the other half. It was that agreement that enabled the formation of the Gateway Development Corporation with Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Amtrak CEO Anthony Coscia, writes Larry Higgs for NJ.com.
"It’s the first inning of a long game," said Senator Chuck Schumer (D) of New York, "but it’s a big change that has the federal and state players on the field on the same team, instead of in opposing dugouts."
Larry Higgs summarizes the project:
The Gateway project would include two new tunnels under the Hudson River to augment the existing two 105-year-old Amtrak tunnels which NJ Transit also uses for all trains going into New York. The project would also include constructing two new tracks between Newark and New York for a total of four tracks. Amtrak estimates the earliest the new tunnels could be in service would be 2030.
FULL STORY: Corporation to Oversee New Hudson Rail Tunnel, With U.S. and Amtrak Financing Half
Amtrak Gateway Planning Is Coming Together
Initial planning steps toward replacement of the 105-year-old tunnels under the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York's Penn Station are underway, with New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, and the Port Authority of N.Y & N.J. all playing key roles.
Financing of Hudson River Rail Tunnels in Peril
A funding agreement between New York, New Jersey, and the U.S. DOT for one of the most important rail projects in the nation is in danger of collapsing because of the way the two states are financing their share of the $12.9 billion cost.
Northeast Rail Corridor Woes Extend Far Beyond Hudson River Tunnels
While Amtrak's century-old Hudson River rail tunnels may capture the public's attention, particularly when they are closed, infrastructure problems on the Northeast Corridor also plague the line from Rhode Island to Washington, D.C.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie