End-of-Year Letter Touts Historic Progress on Hudson Tunnel Project

Dear Commissioners,
 
2023 was a vitally important year for the Hudson Tunnel Project (“HTP”).  This year, together with all of you and our partners, the Gateway Development Commission (“GDC”) moved HTP from aspirational to unstoppable.
 
This past January, we put plans on paper. Today, we have concrete results on multiple fronts. Specifically, we committed GDC to achieving six ambitious goals in 2023: (1) begin construction in both New York and New Jersey; (2) finalize the governance framework and partner agreements for HTP’s delivery; (3) apply for and receive historic funding commitments from the federal government for HTP; (4) become an eligible grant recipient; (5) develop an improved contracting and procurement strategy to attract a competitive and world class pool of firms to build HTP; and (6) continue to build GDC’s organizational, financial, legal, and technical capacity to deliver HTP. We have met each of these goals. I have outlined our progress in greater detail below.
 
Mega projects like HTP do not happen by luck, but by design. The extraordinary leadership and unwavering support demonstrated by President Joseph R. Biden, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Phil Murphy, our Congressional delegation, and, of course, you has willed HTP into reality. In addition, technical assistance from the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration has made GDC’s ability to meet the hyper-driven schedule achievable. Finally, the unyielding drive and commitment of my colleagues at GDC – with support from our partners in the New York and New Jersey Governors offices, Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, outside counsels, and consultants – has helped us bring our collective vision to reality.
 
A new American renaissance is underway in infrastructure, with HTP at the forefront.
 
I am grateful you have entrusted me with the privilege of overseeing this once-in-a-century project. In 2024, we will turn our attention to finalizing the Full Funding Grant Agreement, closing the Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF) loans, and starting major construction so the Hudson Tunnel Project reaches a point of no return.
 
I wish you and your families a happy holiday and look forward to a productive 2024.