Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco has issued a statement regarding the possible shutdown of the Gateway Development Commission’s Hudson Tunnel Project. Tedesco emphasized the importance of the project, describing it as “the most critical infrastructure project in the country, period.”
He noted that the Gateway Program serves as a crucial part of the Northeast Corridor, which is recognized as the busiest passenger rail line in the United States. According to Tedesco, Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT riders currently depend on a 116-year-old North River Tunnel that frequently causes delays. He stated, “Modernizing and expanding this system isn’t optional, it’s essential for millions of commuters and for the economic health of our region.”
Tedesco warned that if federal funding already approved for the project is not released by February 6, construction will have to pause immediately. This would result in nearly 1,000 job losses right away. He further explained that an extended shutdown could threaten more than 11,000 current construction jobs and put at risk over 95,000 additional jobs needed throughout all phases of completion. The potential halt also jeopardizes close to $20 billion in projected economic activity.
“That is why I fully support the legal action taken by the Gateway Development Commission in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to compel the release of grant and loan funds the federal government is legally obligated to provide,” Tedesco said.
He concluded his statement by highlighting how vital this infrastructure is for both commuters and businesses: “Every day, hundreds of thousands of commuters and businesses rely on this infrastructure. Commitments must be honored, workers must be protected, and this project must move forward without further delay.”
