Planning and construction for the new Amtrak Gateway tunnels unders the Hudson River and the next phase of the Second Avenue Subway could grind to a halt under President Trump's proposed budget that substantially cuts capital grants programs.
In response to a question from Jerry Speyer, chairman of the New York real estate firm, Tishman Speyer, during a business leaders CEO Town Hall in Washington on Tuesday morning, President Trump, a New York City developer himself, assured him and the people of New York City "that they are in good hands." [See video clip].
That assurance may come as a surprise to elected leaders and transit planners in the New York metro region who are concerned about the 13 percent cut to the U.S. Department of Transportation in Trump's FY 2018 budget, released March 16, particularly to the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grant Program that includes New Starts, Small Starts and Core Capacity Improvements
Emma G. Fitzsimmons, transit reporter for The New York Times, reports on the effect that Trump's budget would have on the $20 billion Amtrak Gateway tunnels under the Hudson River and for the next phase of the new Second Avenue subway, estimated at $6 billion.
“This is a dagger to the heart of the Gateway project that is so vital to our economy,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, a vocal critic of Mr. Trump on many issues, said in an interview.
Mr. Schumer, a Democrat and the Senate minority leader, said he would fight the cuts to New Starts, a program that has benefited large cities with ambitious projects.
"Only projects that are already locked in with formal federal commitments, known as 'full funding grant agreements,' would get money," reported Michael Laris for The Washington Post last month. A list of those projects compiled by transit commentator Yonah Freemark was posted last month. The Federal Transit Administration also lists projects throughout the country relying on capital investment grants.
FULL STORY: Trump Budget Leaves New York-Area Transit Projects Up in the Air

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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