Good afternoon, GDC Board.

My name is Josh Berman, and I am the Campaigns Manager with Regional Plan Association, the nation’s oldest metropolitan planning organization. Among other priorities, I am managing the Build Gateway Now coalition that RPA has led since 2018.

The Gateway Program is the most urgent infrastructure project in the country and the backbone of our regional rail network. Building a new rail tunnel under the Hudson and refurbishing the existing North River Tunnel will bring transformative environmental, economic and social benefits to the region and the nation.

As construction for the Hudson Tunnel Project has scaled up, we are already beginning to see the impact. RPA’s Early Work, Early Benefits report found that in-progress work has created 7,500 jobs and $1.6 billion in economic activity. The full project is expected to produce 95,000 new jobs and $19.6 billion in economic impact, 20,000 more than originally thought. This is only the beginning of the potential economic and job benefits of the full Gateway Program.

The Gateway Development Commission needs a strong and experienced leader to deliver the Hudson Tunnel Project and improvements to the Northeast Corridor. Tom Prendergast is that kind of leader, and RPA believes that he will be a great choice to be the new CEO of the Gateway Development Commission. Tom has unparalleled experience delivering major capital projects, understands the crucial importance of the Gateway Program, and will work tirelessly to lead the GDC in delivering this critical infrastructure project.

RPA would like to recognize Kris Kolluri and Pat McCoy for their leadership in getting the Gateway Program to this important milestone and the dedication and leadership of all the Commissioners. We look forward to seeing construction accelerate in the new year.