Winter Weather ADVISORY in effect for:
Eastern Bergen, NJ
Eastern Essex, NJ
Eastern Union, NJ
Hudson, NJ
New Jersey delegation tours Hudson Rail tunnel in bid to break federal fund impasse
Posted: Updated:Several members of New Jersey's congressional delegation and Gov. Phil Murphy toured the century-old Hudson Rail tunnel as they seek to end a funding impasse with the federal government over a $13 billion project to build a new tunnel.
“It's the most important transportation project in the United States of America,” said Rep. Tom Malinowski.
Amtrak, which owns the tunnel, says flooding from 2012's Superstorm Sandy damaged the interior and requires ongoing repair work. Amtrak says the tunnel's deteriorating condition could eventually create significant disruptions for travelers.
“We are sitting on a transportation ticking time bomb and we do not have the luxury of waiting,” said Sen. Bob Menendez.
RELATED: Animations show finished product of Portal Bridge and Gateway Tunnel
RELATED: Future of Gateway rail project still uncertain, pending federal funding
The North Bridge Tunnel was built in 1910 to carry about 13,000 passengers and just over 100 trains per day between New York and New Jersey. Today, it carries 200,000 passengers in 450 trains per day.
The $30 billion Gateway Project would repair the North Bridge Tunnel and build a new tunnel between Newark and New York's Penn Station. It was proposed in 2015 but federal funding has been slow to follow. Federal transportation officials are balking at committing funding.
MORE: Lawmakers: Portal Bridge malfunction shows need for Gateway Project
MORE: NJ lawmakers try to revive Gateway Tunnel Project
They say billions of dollars in federal loans sought by New York and New Jersey shouldn't count as the states' contribution.
Newly elected Rep. Malinowski said that getting funding for the tunnel is his top priority. He is now on the House Transportation Committee.
“I think there's a lot of opportunity for a deal this year on infrastructure, on transportation, where we can say Gateway has got to be at the top of that list,” Malinowski said.
In October, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo toured the tunnel and sent video footage to President Donald Trump.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.
TransportationMore>>
New Jersey congressmen fight to save GWB carpool toll discount
New Jersey congressmen fight to save GWB carpool toll discount
FILE
FILE
Two New Jersey congressmen are fighting to save a toll discount for carpoolers at the George Washington Bridge.Two New Jersey congressmen are fighting to save a toll discount for carpoolers at the George Washington Bridge.Officials unanimously vote to cancel e-scooter contract following teen’s death
Officials unanimously vote to cancel e-scooter contract following teen’s death
The Elizabeth City Council has voted to end its contract with electronic scooter company Lime, following the death of a 16-year-old boy.The Elizabeth City Council has voted to end its contract with electronic scooter company Lime, following the death of a 16-year-old boy.Schumer: Airlines must allow kids to sit with their parents
Schumer: Airlines must allow kids to sit with their parents
New York Sen. Charles Schumer says airlines lack policies assuring children can sit with their parents, despite the 2016 legislation requiring the federal Department of Transportation to enact a universal family-friendly seating policy.New York Sen. Charles Schumer says airlines lack policies assuring children can sit with their parents, despite the 2016 legislation requiring the federal Department of Transportation to enact a universal family-friendly seating policy.Lawmakers hear list of complaints as they probe New Jersey Transit woes
Lawmakers hear list of complaints as they probe New Jersey Transit woes
Fed up commuters and transit activists gave New Jersey lawmakers an earful as they expressed their concerns and frustrations with New Jersey Transit train and bus service.Fed up commuters and transit activists gave New Jersey lawmakers an earful as they expressed their concerns and frustrations with New Jersey Transit train and bus service.New Jersey’s e-scooter program: Great traveling option? Or a menace to the state?
New Jersey’s e-scooter program: Great traveling option? Or a menace to the state?
New Jersey’s e-scooter program: Great travelling option? Or a menace to the state?
New Jersey’s e-scooter program: Great travelling option? Or a menace to the state?
Elizabeth has become the third city in New Jersey to launch an e-scooter sharing program, behind Hoboken and Asbury Park.Elizabeth has become the third city in New Jersey to launch an e-scooter sharing program, behind Hoboken and Asbury Park.
Top StoriesNewsMore>>
Explosion causes massive fire at storage facility in Wayne
Explosion causes massive fire at storage facility in Wayne
Firefighters extinguished flames after an explosion broke out in a storage facility in Wayne Monday.Firefighters extinguished flames after an explosion broke out in a storage facility in Wayne Monday.Parts of NJ expected to see snow Wednesday, potentially snarling morning commute
Parts of NJ expected to see snow Wednesday, potentially snarling morning commute
Parts of NJ expected to see snow Wednesday, potentially snarling morning commute
Parts of NJ expected to see snow Wednesday, potentially snarling morning commute
New Jersey is expected to see some snow overnight Wednesday and into the morning, which could greatly affect the morning rush.New Jersey is expected to see some snow overnight Wednesday and into the morning, which could greatly affect the morning rush.News 12 Lights Up the Holidays: Vote on the Top 12!
News 12 Lights Up the Holidays: Vote on the Top 12!
News 12 New Jersey wants to light up the holidays and we need your help!
News 12 New Jersey wants to light up the holidays and we need your help!
Multiple school buses catch fire in Essex County
Multiple school buses catch fire in Essex County
Multiple school buses catch fire in Essex County
Multiple school buses catch fire in Essex County
Multiple school buses have caught fire in East Orange on Evergreen Place.Multiple school buses have caught fire in East Orange on Evergreen Place.‘12 Babes of Christmas:’ Dentist brings back Playboy bunnies . . . for Christmas
‘12 Babes of Christmas:’ Dentist brings back Playboy bunnies . . . for Christmas
‘12 Babes of Christmas:’ Dentist brings back Playboy bunnies . . . for Christmas
‘12 Babes of Christmas:’ Dentist brings back Playboy bunnies . . . for Christmas
The Playboy bunnies are back in Clifton, this time for Christmas – courtesy of dentist Wayne Gangi.The Playboy bunnies are back in Clifton, this time for Christmas – courtesy of dentist Wayne Gangi.
