New York, NY — The following statement can be attributed to Tom Wright, President & CEO, Regional Plan Association.

“The Gateway Program is the most urgent infrastructure project in the nation and the backbone of our regional rail network. The signing of the MOU is an essential step forward in securing a full funding grant agreement for the Hudson Tunnel Project and moving the Portal North Bridge into full construction and we are thrilled to see it advanced. RPA congratulates, Governors Murphy and Hochul, the Gateway Development Commission, and all the Gateway Program partners – The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Amtrak, NJ Transit – and the Biden Administration for reaching this milestone.

There is a clear need to secure funding for these projects now, while we have a supportive administration in Washington, and we were pleased to see the Governors push for as much Federal funding for these projects as possible. RPA looks forward to continuing to work on the Gateway Program and all of its important projects until they are completed.”