Menendez announces nearly $4.5B to Amtrak in Federal Railroad Administration funding to further improve, modernize critical infrastructure in New Jersey
Gateway Development Commission for the Hudson Tunnel project will receive $3.8 billion to complete the project
NEW JERSEY – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) announces a combined total of $4,473,614,197 to Amtrak in Federal Railroad Administration funding to further improve and modernize critical transportation infrastructure across New Jersey, including the Hudson River and the North River tunnels project, the rehabilitation of the Dock Bridge in Newark and Harrison, the Sawtooth Bridges replacement project in Kearny, the Delco Lead project in New Brunswick, and upgrades for Newark Penn Station.
“The billions in federal funding announced today for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor is a major step forward in improving one of our nation’s most important intercity and commuter passageways. This funding will help facilitate critical projects across the state, including billions of dollars for the new Hudson River tunnels and other projects under the Gateway program. I’ve stood at the forefront of the charge to modernize and expand public transit throughout the state, and these infrastructure projects are a necessary investment New Jerseyans across the state need to facilitate their daily commutes,” Menendez said. “Reducing delays, upgrading rail lines and improving general operations will create a public transportation system that residents can rely on. I look forward to continuing to work with all of our state, federal, and local partners to ensure these projects and others continue to receive the necessary federal funding to reach the finish line.”
“The $4.47 billion in federal funding the Biden-Harris Administration announced today will undeniably transform New Jersey’s passenger rail infrastructure and benefit our communities for decades to come. This historic investment demonstrates President Biden’s commitment to updating our nation’s aging infrastructure and prioritizing the public transportation so many Americans rely upon. The funding for the Gateway Program will support efforts my Administration has been working toward for years alongside our partners to update bridges and tunnels along the Northeast Corridor that serve 260 million passenger trips per year. Beyond the Gateway Program, this funding will also contribute to the construction of NJ TRANSIT’s critical Delco Lead resiliency project, in addition to helping make passenger accessibility improvements at Newark Penn Station a reality. Countless Americans will not only benefit from the faster, more efficient, and more reliable transportation this unprecedented funding will enable, but the thousands of good-paying jobs these projects will generate as well. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their ongoing support in helping our state deliver the modern, high-quality transportation our residents deserve,” Governor Murphy said.
The Gateway Development Commission for the Hudson Tunnel project will receive $3,799,999,820 to design and construct the Hudson River Tunnel project while reconstructing the existing North River tunnels. These improvements will increase capacity for commuters along the Northeast Corridor, providing New Jerseyans with more reliable and safer train service.
The Dock Bridge project will receive $300,184,000 to reconstruct the bridge which crosses the Passaic River between Newark and Harrison to improve the intercity, commuter, and transit services for Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The Sawtooth Bridges Replacement project in Kearny will receive $133,327,610 to replace the current crossover between the New Jersey Transit Morris & Essex Line and the Conrail Center Street Branch while also developing critical path and early-action activities.
The Delco Lead project in New Brunswick will receive an award of $180,902,767 to construct the 3.5-mile Delco Lead track, create a new service and inspection facility, and space for equipment and staff which will increase storage capacity to 300 rail cars and reduce congestion and delays in this area of the Northeast Corridor. Newark Penn Station will receive $59,200,000 to fund the upgrade, rehabilitation, and replacement of several elevators and escalators in the station to improve accessibility and overall passenger circulation throughout the station.
In January, the Senator announced more than $13 million for projects at the Atlantic City International Airport and for base improvements for the 177th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. In February, Sen. Menendez joined President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to announce an award of $292 million for the Gateway project.
In April, Sen. Menendez announced $834 million to support New Jersey’s public transit agencies. Last January, Sen. Menendez announced $229 million to repair bridges across the state, including the Route 3 bridge over the Hackensack River. In December of 2021, the Senator announced $54 million to support New Jersey’s airports.
