Somerset County Commissioners Unanimously Pass Resolution in Support of the Hudson Tunnel Project Funding

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): At their bimonthly meeting hosted on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Commissioners spoke out against the continued suspension of funds supporting the Hudson Tunnel Project.

The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Hudson Tunnel Project Funding for the necessary expansion, maintenance, and repairs of the transportation network that many Somerset County residents depend on.

“Here in New Jersey, when something is wrong, we are not afraid to speak up. In this instance, we need to speak up and put people before politics,” said Commissioner Sara Sooy. “This is one of the nation’s most urgent infrastructure projects and when completed will support strong economic growth in the area. This is a direct attack on blue states. The funding is already approved and legally committed. Congress has allocated the money, and continuing this project does not affect any other priority. Only the President can reverse this decision. We urge Congress to put people before politics and stand up for New Jersey so this project can move forward.”

Commissioner Sooy spoke at the Gateway Commission meeting, where voices of union workers were impossible to ignore – workers fighting to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. The stakes are massive: this corridor drives 20% of the nation’s GDP, and nearly 100,000 jobs are on the line.

“I am beyond words that the Federal Government has suspended funding for this project; this is disgraceful,” said Commissioner Melonie Marano. “We have century plus year old tunnels connecting workers to the largest financial and business engine in the world in New York City. If these tunnels fail, and eventually they will, not just New York City and New Jersey, not just the East Coast, but the whole world will be impacted. Instead of continuing the funding that supports union labor and gives hope to commuters, the federal government is telling thousands of families that their breadwinner has lost their job. They are telling commuters that it’s not their problem that you have a miserable commute and that there is no hope on the horizon.”

The Hudson Tunnel Project is designed to eliminate chronic delays, protect daily service for hundreds of thousands of riders, and ensure reliable rail travel for commuters across New York, New Jersey, and the entire Northeast Corridor.

In addition, the construction supports 11,000 union jobs and more than 20,000 total jobs. Upon completion, the tunnel’s effect will be felt nationwide, generating 95,000 jobs and $19.6 billion in economic activity.

“I am urging all of our fellow Municipal and County Officials, and Legislative colleagues to add their voices to this important issue,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “The Hudson Tunnel Project is critical infrastructure for our region’s economic future and cannot be delayed any further. This is not just a transportation issue—it’s about ensuring hundreds of thousands of commuters can get to work safely and reliably every day.”

“Our Country’s history has been filled will big infrastructure projects that have transformed and supported this Country’s economy. The tunnel needs to be added to this list. Our voices need to be heard,” added Marano.

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The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.