Gottheimer warns of funding halt risks for Gateway rail tunnel at commission meeting
NEW YORK — Rep. Josh Gottheimer on Tuesday raised concerns about the status of federal funding for the Gateway rail tunnel project, warning that a prolonged halt could have significant consequences for commuters, jobs and the regional economy.
Gottheimer spoke at a meeting of the Gateway Development Commission’s board in Lower Manhattan, where he urged the federal government to restore funding for the project, which is already under construction and would add two new rail tunnels under the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York.
Gottheimer said the project, which was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021, faces the risk of running out of money if federal funding is not restored. He said that outcome could threaten thousands of jobs and disrupt rail service along the Northeast Corridor.
“President Trump: I know you don’t want to derail our progress as a nation. This tunnel is 116 years old. If it collapses, America will blame you. If we fall behind and our economy here falters, American families and businesses of all sizes will blame you,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) during the meeting. “On the flip side, you have an opportunity to do something historic — to finish one of the greatest infrastructure projects in American history.”
Gottheimer added, “This is what the art of the deal should be about. Let’s make the greatest deal of all time and keep this project moving — and make it the best tunnel America — and the world — has ever seen. There is nothing partisan about this. I know many of us — Democrats and Republicans — we all support this program — are ready to sit down and get this done, together. So, Mr. President, let’s do it. Give it the green light today!”
The Gateway Project is intended to replace and rehabilitate the existing North River tunnels, which are more than a century old and carry more than 200,000 passengers daily. Project backers say the tunnels are a critical link in the national rail network and support a significant share of the country’s economic activity.
According to officials, construction of the Gateway Project is expected to create about 95,000 jobs and generate nearly $20 billion in economic activity. They also said that if funding is not restored, construction could be halted as early as Feb. 6, potentially affecting more than 1,000 workers and placing previously allocated public funds at risk.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill also issued a statement on the project’s status, criticizing the funding pause and emphasizing the project’s importance to the region.
“The president’s refusal to fund the Gateway Tunnel project is not only an illegal attack on New Jersey but also shows a reckless disregard for our economy and the livelihoods of working families. New Jersey and New York make up the most powerful economic region in the world, and this is the most urgent and consequential infrastructure project in the country. If the president does not restore funding to this project, which I helped secure while serving in Congress, he will single-handedly kill nearly 100,000 jobs and $20 billion in economic activity. New Jersey will fight tooth and nail for our hard-earned tax dollars and this essential project that will make commutes easier and improve quality of life for residents in the Garden State.”
