NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore funding to a new rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey on Friday, ruling just as construction was set to shut down on the massive infrastructure project.
The decision came months after the administration announced it was halting $16 billion in support for the project, citing the then-government shutdown and claims from officials about concerns related to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas approved a request by the states for a temporary restraining order against the funding freeze, asserting that the plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm without the injunction. “The public interest would be harmed by delay in a critical infrastructure project,” she stated.
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the ruling “a critical victory for workers and commuters in New York and New Jersey.” She emphasized the importance of the Hudson Tunnel Project, which intends to ease congestion on the existing, over-110-year-old tunnel for Amtrak and commuter trains.
“We will keep fighting to ensure construction can continue without unnecessary federal interference,” she stated.
The Gateway Development Commission, which oversees the project, indicated that, without the funding, work was set to stop, risking approximately 1,000 jobs. They await further developments on funding release to restart operations and resume work on the project.
The new tunnel aims to relieve pressure on the aging tunnel, where delays can trigger broader transportation issues along the East Coast. Statements from the commission hinted at the urgent need to avoid halting work amidst safety and public health concerns associated with leaving construction sites abandoned.
During the court hearing, attorneys emphasized the significant costs and harms associated with further halting the project, describing the potential ramifications of lost jobs and the stalled progress if construction were to cease temporarily.
Tara Schwartz, a U.S. attorney, refuted claims made by the states regarding the urgency and extent of the project maintenance risks, suggesting that the current situation required more clarity on how long the sites could remain operational under the commission's care.
