A U.S. judge will hear an emergency motion Friday from New York and New Jersey seeking to restore $16 billion in funding for the Hudson River tunnel, which faces a halt if federal funds remain withheld. The states filed a lawsuit late Tuesday and requested a temporary restraining order to stop the U.S. Department of Transportation from withholding the money. The court’s decision will determine whether construction can continue while the legal challenge proceeds.
Judge to Hear Emergency Bid Friday to Restore $16 Billion Hudson River Tunnel Funding
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks touting how Infrastructure Law funding will be used for the Hudson River Tunnel project, during an event at the West Side Rail Yard in New York City, U.S., January 31, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
A U.S. judge will hold an emergency hearing on Friday to consider New York and New Jersey’s request to compel the restoration of funding for the $16 billion Hudson River tunnel project, which faces a construction halt that day if federal funds remain withheld.
The two states filed suit late Tuesday and asked the court for a temporary restraining order to prevent the U.S. Department of Transportation from continuing to withhold grant money. The hearing will determine whether work can continue while the legal challenge proceeds.
The Hudson River tunnel project is a major infrastructure undertaking intended to improve rail capacity and reliability across the Northeast Corridor. Officials for New York and New Jersey argue that an abrupt stop to construction would cause significant delays and additional costs; the U.S. Department of Transportation has not yet been ordered to restore the funds.
Next steps: The court’s ruling after Friday’s hearing will decide whether construction can proceed and whether the funding dispute must be resolved while the lawsuit is litigated.
Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese
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