Bergen County Board of County Commissioners Statement on Potential Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project Shutdown

HACKENSACK, NJ – The Bergen County Board of County Commissioners today issued the following statement regarding the potential halt of construction on the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project:

“The Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project is a linchpin of the Northeast Corridor and critical to the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of commuters who rely on safe, reliable rail service between New Jersey and New York,” said Commissioner Chairman Steve Tanelli. “This project is not just about trains and tunnels but it’s about supporting the workers, the families, and the communities that power our region.”

The Board recognizes that a pause in federal funding could have devastating consequences for construction workers, labor unions, and blue-collar families who depend on steady employment in infrastructure development. Nearly 1,000 jobs are at immediate risk, and a prolonged shutdown could threaten more than 11,000 current construction positions and tens of thousands more across all project phases.

“From the ironworkers in the tunnels to the electricians wiring the stations and all of the trades affected, these are hardworking men and women whose livelihoods are on the line,” said Commissioner Tom Sullivan. “Our commitment must be to protect their jobs and ensure that the essential work they do continues without interruption. This is about more than infrastructure, it’s about the people who build it.”

The Board of County Commissioners fully supports the Gateway Development Commission’s legal efforts to secure the release of federally approved grant and loan funds. The Commissioners urge federal officials to act swiftly to ensure the project remains on track, protecting both critical regional infrastructure and the workers who make it possible.

“Our region cannot afford delays,” added Commissioner Chairman Steve Tanelli. “Every day the Gateway Tunnel sits unfinished, commuters face risk, businesses face uncertainty, and families face the very real threat of lost employment. Bergen County stands united behind this project, its workers, and the essential service it provides to our entire region.”