Threats by N.Y. Gov. Cuomo still putting worry into Gateway Project deadline

Gateway Development Commission

With backing from the White House and the Transportation Secretary, one would think the Gateway Project is finally ready for takeoff. However, there is another source delaying the countdown.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo continues to threaten to withhold his state’s share of the Gateway Project unless certain requests are met, and earlier this week representatives from all sides of the project got together for a funding update. Local funding commitments need to be confirmed come August.

During the meeting on July 12, Gateway Development Corporation Chairman Steven Cohen said he was confident New York, New Jersey, and the Port Authority would approve their funding commitments and send the documents to federal officials by Aug. 27. The entire project will cost $11 billion, with New York responsible for $1.7 billion. New Jersey needs $1.9 billion while the Port Authority is being held to $2.7 billion.

Cuomo, however, continues to lob threats. He wants work on the Hudson River tunnels to be expedited and done at night and on weekends rather than shut service down for months. He also does not want a concrete benchwall in the tunnels to be replaced entirely so crews can use it to hang power cables from the walls.

The Gateway Project’s Environmental Impact Statement has rejected Cuomo’s recommendations.

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