Z > A Ay THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, DC 20590 July 27, 2015 The Honorable Chris Chris ‘The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New Jersey Governor of New York ‘Trenton, NJ. 08625 Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governors Christie and Cuomo: Last week, severe rail service interruptions provided yet another reminder of the need to replace the aging infrastructure that serves millions of passengers daily. The condition of the trans- Hudson tunnels is a major threat to the region and to our Nation's transportation system. 1 write to urge immediate action and to lend my personal engagement to get the Gateway tunnel project on the path to completion as soon as possible. Our Administration has long been committed to building a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River. President Obama and former Secretary Ray LaHlood pledged $3 billion to the ARC tunnel five years ago. The project was cancelled, the funds were directed elsewhere, and the prospect of a new tunnel has languished. It is increasingly clear that the problems of this crumbling asset will not go away, and we remain committed to advancing needed repairs and replacements, Only Amtrak has come forward with a credible concept to build a new tunnel. Amtrak’s Gateway project would create two new tubes under the Hudson River—doubling the current capacity for train movements and enabling the repair of the existing 105-year-old tunnel, which needs a complete overhaul of its electrical system and a thorough renovation of its interior infrastructure. ‘The Administration is already working with Amtrak to move the Gateway project forward, The Administration recently put $185 million toward Gateway tunnel access under the Hudson Yards development in Manhattan to preserve the option for the new tunnel. We are also in regular dialogue with Amtrak and the relevant stakeholders in the region about this issue. In fat, I have personally met with transportation officials in your respective States and conveyed my concerns about the need for regional collaboration and commitment of financial resources to fix this situation, We are willing once again to explore Federal financial assistance. The Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak have been in discussions about possible Federal financing tools that could get the project started, but the project will not become a reality without your active participation and willingness to prioritize it, Neither Amtrak nor your individual States, acting alone, can replace these tunnels. It will take all of us working together.Page 2 ‘The Honorable Chris Christie The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo To that end, I would like to meet with you within the next two weeks to discuss this project, especially your States* roles in getting it completed. Our Department and I will do everything within our power to help the region protect this critically important connection. I look forward to hearing from you. Anthony R. Foxx