Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Statement on the Advancement of the Hudson River Tunnel

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, released the following statement regarding the release of the Environmental Impact Statement for the $11.6 billion Hudson River Tunnel project, which would build a new tunnel and repair the current 110-year-old tunnel to increase traffic in the Northeast Corridor.  The statement determines whether proposed projects present an environmental threat to the area.  The U.S. Department of Transportation reviewed the project and found that it could continue planning for funding and project construction.

“This is a great day for the commuters in New Jersey, New York and across the Northeast Corridor.  After years of obstruction by the previous administration, the Hudson River Tunnel is one step closer to full approval.  This project will help reduce rail congestion and allow thousands of commuters to get to their final destinations faster.  It will provide desperately needed new infrastructure and ensure the reliability and efficiency of travel throughout the area.  When I met with President Biden and spoke with Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, they said the Gateway Program was a priority for this administration and they have proven it.  I look forward to working with this administration to get the funding necessary to construct this critical infrastructure project.”