Buttigieg, as expected, recommends Gateway Tunnel project receive $700M in 2025 budget

A recommendation for New Jersey/New York to receive $700 million for the Hudson Tunnel project was among nearly $4 billion in requests by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for President Joe Biden’s 2025 budget request to Congress.

The request, one of 14 large transit projects in 11 states that Buttigieg supported, was expected.

The project includes construction of a new two-track heavy rail tunnel along the Northeast Corridor from the Bergen Palisades in New Jersey to Manhattan. The project includes the construction of a new tunnel under the Hudson River, the rehabilitation and modernization of the existing North River tunnel and utility relocation work for the Long Island Railroad Emergency Services Building.

Buttigieg, speaking about the entire request, said it is a worthwhile investment.

“Public transportation connects people to jobs, school, family and more — and when transit reaches more people and communities, its impact is even greater,” he said. “The Biden-Harris administration is proud to support funding for 14 large projects that will expand transit for millions of Americans across the country.”

The Capital Investment Grants and Expedited Project Delivery Pilot programs are the federal government’s primary grant programs supporting new large transit capital projects that are locally planned, implemented and operated. This includes investments such as new and expanded subway systems, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars and bus rapid transit.

“FTA looks forward to working with these communities to advance transit projects that will provide new transit options,” acting Federal Transit Administration Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said. “These investments support President Biden’s commitment to combat climate change while also improving safety, advancing equity and improving quality of life for millions of Americans.”