Good morning Commissioners,
My name is Josh Berman, and I’m the Campaigns Manager with Regional Plan Association, a non-profit organization working for a more livable region, and the convener of the Build Gateway Now coalition.
It is remarkable to see how far the Gateway Development Commission has come on the Hudson Tunnel Project in just one year since securing full federal funding. This time last year, excavation was just beginning at key sites, and major contracts for the Palisades and Manhattan tunnel segments had yet to be awarded. Today, thanks to the GDC team’s expertise and the leadership of the Board, the project is on time, on budget, and well on its way to delivering the modern, resilient rail infrastructure our region urgently needs.
To complete these critical and complex projects, GDC will need to have top-notch engineering talent. This is especially important as excavation is already underway and tunnel boring is on the horizon. We’ll need the best of the best working on this project, which is why RPA would like to applaud GDC for bringing on Jim Starace as the new Chief of Program Delivery and for transitioning Hamed Nejad into the role of Chief Engineer. Together Jim and Hamed will get these projects done on scope, schedule and budget.
Reliable rail service is the backbone of our region’s economy and a key to supporting a growing, dynamic workforce. More and more New York workers are commuting from west of the Hudson, and dependable, on-time trains are essential not just for a strong quality of life, but for attracting talent and fueling long-term economic growth. For hourly workers especially, reliable service means real opportunity, ensuring every minute counts toward building a stable and thriving future.
RPA is proud to stand with the Gateway Development Commission and our partners in the Build Gateway Now Coalition to advance a modern, resilient, and equitable transportation system. The Hudson Tunnel Project is a transformative investment that will deliver lasting benefits for generations to come.
RPA would also like to congratulate Victor Herlinsky on his confirmation to the GDC Board of Commissioners. We look forward to working with him in support of this critical work. We extend our sincere thanks to Commissioner Janine Bauer for her dedicated service and key role in GDC’s early success.
