Gateway Development Commission, Board Meeting
January 27, 2026

Thank you for the opportunity to share our strong support for the continued advancement of the Gateway Program.

The Partnership for New York City is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes private sector resources and expertise to advance New York City’s standing as a global center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation. We represent 300 corporate, investment, and entrepreneurial firms whose members support nearly a million jobs in New York City.

The Gateway Program is one of the most significant infrastructure investments for the economies of New York, New Jersey, and the entire Northeast Corridor (NEC). The Hudson Tunnel Project in particular will ensure a vital, reliable cross-Hudson connection by doubling the number of tracks and increasing the number of passenger trains between Newark and New York Penn Station. The program directly benefits the regional economy, residents, and New York businesses, many of whom have operations and employees on both sides of the river.

The existing North River Tunnel, more than 115 years old and significantly compromised by Superstorm Sandy, remains a major point of vulnerability along the NEC. Without a new tunnel to allow essential repairs to the existing structure and provide added capacity, service will impede workforce mobility, disrupt business operations, and diminish quality of life, costing the national economy an estimated $16 billion.

The economic impact of the project will be substantial. Upon completion, the Hudson Tunnel Project is expected to create 95,000 jobs and produce nearly $20 billion in economic activity. These investments strengthen labor markets, support small and large businesses across the supply chain, and help maintain the competitiveness of New York as a global economic center.

The Partnership commends the Gateway Development Commission and its partners for delivering key construction milestones on time and on budget since work began in 2023, a clear indication that the program is advancing efficiently from planning to execution.

Funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project is already secured through legally binding federal commitments, meaning continued support does not divert resources from other priorities. More than $1 billion has been invested across New York and New Jersey for the work to date. Federal funding must be restored immediately to keep the project on schedule, ensure fiscal responsibility, and avoid significant cost escalations associated with delays.

The Hudson Tunnel Project is not simply a transportation upgrade, but a foundational investment in the region’s economic strength, workforce stability, and long-term competitiveness. Bringing this project to completion on schedule ensures that residents, businesses, and the national economy benefit from a modern, reliable, and resilient Northeast Corridor as soon as possible.

The Partnership will continue to support a fully funded Hudson Tunnel Project and respectfully urges the Administration to hold up their end of this historic bargain and release the funds. Thank you for your leadership and continued stewardship of this critical infrastructure initiative.