New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called on the federal government to release more than $200 million owed to the Gateway Development Commission. In a statement, Hochul said, “The federal government owes the Gateway Development Commission more than $200 million. My message to the Trump Administration is simple: Enough with the chaos and delays. Get people back to work. Today we made progress. $30 million has finally been released, and a court-ordered report will force transparency on the remaining funds. But the job isn’t done. Full funding must be restored now.”
Hochul emphasized that 1,000 union workers have lost their jobs due to funding issues, and about 200,000 commuters rely daily on a safe tunnel under the Hudson River for transportation between New York and New Jersey.
She also highlighted that delays in funding put both jobs and regional transportation at risk: “Here’s what’s at stake: 1,000 union workers laid off and 200,000 commuters who depend on a safe, reliable tunnel under the Hudson every single day. The Gateway Tunnel cannot wait. Our regional economy depends on it.”
Governor Hochul stated her commitment to advancing construction of the Gateway Tunnel project despite previous setbacks: “Every time Donald Trump has tried to derail this project, I’ve fought back, and I will again. We will not accept threats or phony deals when the law is clear. We’re ready to build. Let us get to work.”
The Gateway Tunnel is considered vital infrastructure for both commuter safety and economic stability in the region.