Building Congress Event
Construction Industry Breakfast Forum
Senator Schumer Pledges his Active Support for new Trans-Hudson Tunnel at Forum on September 28
Senator Charles E. Schumer said that investments in infrastructure are of critical importance to the region’s future while also noting the Federal government’s role in advancing key projects, during a New York Building Congress Construction Industry Breakfast Forum at The Pierre in Manhattan on September 28.
Senator Schumer praised the nearly 400 design, construction and real estate industry members in attendance, saying, “For generations, it is the men and women in this room who have built, rebuilt and grown this City into the great metropolis it is today; second to none in the world.”
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Referring to such major initiatives as the World Trade Center, Hudson Yards, the Second Avenue Subway and Moynihan Station, Senator Schumer added, “New York is tackling large projects that address major infrastructure needs. These projects are laying the groundwork for future development and growth. And we’re about to realize the gains of these major investments and truly see their economic impact.”
Senator Schumer also pledged his important support for a proposal from New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg and Amtrak to build two new tunnels across the Hudson River, connecting New Jersey to an expanded Moynihan Station complex, while also adding additional tracks and platforms for Amtrak to the south of the existing Penn Station.
Dubbed the "Gateway Project,” he said that this proposal would more than double intercity rail service, which is currently at capacity, along the Northeast Corridor, while also correcting a major mistake made by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie when he canceled the Access to the Region’s Core project (ARC).
 |
 |
 |
 |
“This is a truly significant project, the kind of big idea that could shape the way New York City looks decades from now,” said Senator Schumer, who pledged his active involvement in securing the agreements, approvals and financing necessary to move the project forward.
Of greatest urgency, Senator Schumer noted, is the need to secure the agreements and funding necessary to construct the shell for these tunnels under the Hudson Yards prior to the onset of Related Hudson Yards’ construction on the commercial and residential development above.
NYU President John Sexton opened the forum by thanking the design, construction and real estate industry for their vocal support in helping the University win City approval for its “NYU 2031” campus expansion plan. Mr. Sexton said the Building Congress and other organizations found it easy to support the proposal given its importance to the City’s future.
“New York is the leading importer of (higher education) students from the other 49 states. New York is a magnet.”
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
