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Rail Coalition Urges Funding for Gateway Project

Press Release from the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition

The President’s Transportation Infrastructure plan is being rolled out this week, and for New Jersey that means that all eyes should be on securing funding for the long-awaited Gateway Project, according to the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition.

“The Gateway Project is the most important transportation infrastructure project in the United States and includes new Hudson River tunnels, the Portal Bridge replacement, and reconstruction of New York’s Penn Station,” said Somerset County Freeholder Director and Rail Coalition Chairman Peter S. Palmer.

“Gateway will ensure the security of the vital connection between the financial capital of the world, New York; and Northern and Central New Jersey,” he said. “That connection is now at risk if the federal government’s portion of the funding is eliminated. The future of our region and New Jersey’s economy is at risk and requires immediate action.”

Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, Chair of the RVRC Mayor’s Committee said, “Mayors who have the benefit of a train station in their communities also have a responsibility to ensure that residents have access to safe and reliable transit. The steady deterioration of our rail infrastructure is already causing delays; we must offer commuters a hope for improvement.” 

The RVRC was established in 1998 on a bipartisan basis to advocate for New Jersey rail commuters. The coalition strongly urges federal and state leaders and legislators to aggressively lobby to ensure federal funding for the Gateway Project.

The goal of the RVRC is One-Seat-Ride service to New York Penn Station and an improved quality of commute for struggling riders who face daily challenges in simply getting to work on time.

“Our residents, their quality of life, and their property values will be adversely impacted if our leaders do not take responsibility to fully support Gateway and work for its swift implementation,” said Freeholder Palmer.

“We urge everyone in the mega region to support the Gateway Project,” he said.