Demonstrating a near unanimous show of continued support for one of the most crucial transportation projects in the New York region, Congress today approved $5 million dollars for an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and preliminary engineering designs for a cross-harbor rail freight tunnel.  The appropriation was made as part of the Transportation Appropriations package.

“Today, my colleagues from both sides of the aisle overwhelmingly supported the continued funding and completion of a rail freight tunnel for the region, that will both revitalize the Port of New York and New Jersey, and improve the air quality in New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the lead proponent of the tunnel.  “I am grateful for their overwhelming show of support.”

The proposed rail tunnel would connect the region east of the Hudson River with the mainland U.S. – easing the transportation of goods along the Northeast corridor and into New York City.  Currently, all goods shipped along the Eastern seaboard or into the Port, must be transferred onto trucks, in New Jersey.  The process boosts the cost of goods coming into the City, contributes to the deterioration of roads of bridges, and pollutes the air and increases traffic in lower Manhattan, which the trucks must cross through, on their way to the boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, and Southwest Connecticut.

The $5 million appropriated for the EIS and preliminary engineering design demonstrates continued Congressional support for the tunnel, which has already received a previous $5 million.  Completion of the EIS and preliminary design is the final step before construction of the tunnel can begin.

“This is one of the most worthwhile transportation projects I have ever been involved with,” said Rep. Nadler.  “I am thrilled to see that virtually every Member of the House agrees with me.”

Rep. Nadler has served in Congress since 1992. He represents the 8th Congressional District of New York, which includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.