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The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) passed several resolutions during its board of commissioners meeting May 2 and highlighted the continued progress of the Hudson Tunnel Project.

The board moved to finalize agreements between funding partners on the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing – Section 3, a vital portion of the effort connecting the new Hudson Tunnel directly to Penn Station. That work ties directly to the $292 million Mega Grant announced by President Biden in January. The GDC says the resolution allows this portion of the project to move into construction, which is expected to begin sometime this year.

The GDC also marked other early work projects that are beginning construction or procurement this year, including: the Tonnelle Avenue Overhead Bridge and Utility Relocation Project; the Hudson River Ground Stabilization project; and the construction of the Palisades Tunnel.

Last month, NJBIZ reported on the GDC’s announcement of a revised procurement strategy that divided the “Civil Works” portion of the construction – the largest piece of the project – into four packages, including additional early works efforts. The GDC said it believes this approach will ensure a robust and competitive bidding pool for the work.

According to the officials, this is the year that the Hudson Tunnel Project becomes real.

“We promised that this would be the year that the Hudson Tunnel Project moves from planning to reality, and that is exactly what today’s board action achieves,” said Kris Kolluri, chief executive officer, GDC. “With the agreements and funding now in place, we’ll see construction start this year on the Critical Casing portion of the project that links the new tunnel to Penn Station.”

“With early construction starting in both New York and New Jersey, we are telling millions of riders who rely on this route that help is on the way,” said Alicia Glen, New York commissioner and GDC co-chair.

“GDC is making real progress this year pushing vital components of the project forward,” said Balpreet Grewal-Virk, N.J. commissioner and GDC co-chair. “I am particularly proud of our focus on working with the private sector to make sure this project is delivered efficiently and expeditiously.”

At the meeting, the board was also updated on overall project progress from the early months of 2023, including:

• Enhancing the contract package in the “Core and Shell” portion of the new tunnel to provide a more robust and competitive proof of potential bidders.
• Ongoing engagement with the private sector via a forum, follow-up meetings, and an event that detailed received feedback.
• Applying for additional federal grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program and Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.
• Applying for funding through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program.
• Continuing to work with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to advance the project through the Capital Investment Grants Program process, with an aim toward receiving a Full Funding Grant Agreement for the bulk of the project’s federal funding during next year.

“Moving forward with early work in partnership with the federal government is vital to this project’s success,” said Tony Coscia, Amtrak commissioner and GDC vice-chair. “Our federal support will reduce costs for the local partners and help ensure that the Hudson River Tunnel is a strong, resilient part of the Northeast Corridor for a century to come.”

The board also passed several other resolutions Tuesday to continue to build the GDC’s capacity and to help advance the Hudson Tunnel project, such as:

• Approving $2.5 million in available stipends for up to four firms to bid on the Hudson Tunnel Ground Stabilization project;
• Approving a schedule of board meetings for the rest of 2023;
• Establishing board committees for audit, governance and operations, and project delivery; and
• Amending the Hudson Tunnel Project Development Agreement.

“The Hudson Tunnel Project is now taking shape more and more each day,” Kolluri added.