NYC Rail Tunnel Takes Key Step Toward Cash After Trump Snub

Environmental study waylaid for years is cleared under Biden
Design, property acquisition, pre-construction can go ahead

Train tracks run through the North River Tunnel on Amtrak’s northeast corridor line in New York.Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

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By Elise Young

May 28, 2021 at 12:56 AM UTC

Updated on

May 28, 2021 at 1:48 PM UTC

Amtrak’s proposed $11.6 billion passenger-rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey received long-delayed environmental clearance from U.S. officials, the project’s biggest step forward in years. The decision is crucial to start the next phase of work and secure billions of federal dollars for what’s considered one of the most vital U.S. infrastructure needs.

The Federal Railroad and Federal Transit administrations released a final environmental impact statement today. The move allows Gateway Program Development Corp., which is overseeing the project, to begin acquiring real estate and start advanced design and pre-construction work.