Amtrak's Gateway Program to replace a century-old rail tunnel and bridge from New Jersey to Manhattan, both bottlenecks on the busy Northeast Corridor, did not score well on an evaluation by the Federal Transit Administration for grant funding.
"In its annual funding recommendations report [pdf] issued this month to Congress on the Capital Investment Grants program, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) this week rated both the Hudson Tunnel and the Portal North Bridge replacement projects as 'medium-low' in priority for federal grants," according to a clipping by Progressive Railroading on Feb. 15. "Medium-low is second-lowest rating on a five-point scale that helps determine whether federal funding is warranted."
The projects are key elements of the Amtrak Gateway program. The FTA's latest ratings indicated the Trump administration's shift away from the Obama administration's support for federal help in paying for the projects, Gateway program supporters said.
"In case it wasn't clear before, President Trump today tried to land another death blow to Gateway, by having his Federal Transit Administration vindictively and inexplicably downgrade the project in order to cut off critical federal funding," said U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) in a press release.
Under President Obama, the states of New York, New Jersey and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey came to an agreement: the states and the Port Authority would fund roughly half the $20 billion program, though costs vary depending on which projects are included. However, that agreement came into question when Trump administration officials signaled in December that they weren't happy with the financing aspects of the agreement.
The cost for the new tunnel under the Hudson River and rehabbing the existing one, which ultimately would provide four tracks between New York Penn Station and Secaucus, New Jersey, would cost $12.7 billion.
The Port Authority announced on Feb. 15 that it would contribute $44 million to "to keep the project moving," reported Dan Rivoli of the Daily News, "so that when federal funding materializes, there will be no delay in construction."
However, with the low rating from the FTA, and much competition, unlike the agreement reached under former Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, there are no assurances that those funds will be forthcoming soon.
"Under Trump's plan, however, Gateway will have to compete with other projects across the country for a limited amount of grant money intended to leverage state, local and private-sector investment," report Curtis Tate and Herb Jackson for NorthJersey.com on Feb. 13.
The first blow to replace the Hudson Tunnel occurred Oct. 7, 2010, when New Jersey's from Republican governor, Chris Christie, scrapped the project. The second blow was delivered by Hurricane Sandy two year later when it flooded the existing tunnel, causing extensive damage.
FULL STORY: FTA lowers grant ratings for Amtrak tunnel, bridge projects
Costs, Delays Ballon on Hudson River Tunnel Project
Developers are baling the latest delays and cost increases for the Hudson Tunnel Project on uncertainty surrounding federal environmental review.
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.
Will N.Y.-N.J. Summit Kickstart America's Most Important Rail Project?
Peter Rogoff, the acting undersecretary of transportation, urged New York and New Jersey to agree to plans to advance Amtrak Gateway, the $15 billion Hudson River tunnels which he called the most important rail project in the country.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)