Efforts to continue funding the final study on a cross harbor rail freight tunnel that would connect the Port of New York / New Jersey with the rail network of the rest of the continental US received two key endorsements today.

In letters to the House of Representatives, Deputy Mayor of New York Daniel Doctoroff, and Charles Gargano, Chairman of the Empire State Development Corporation both heartily endorsed continued funding of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed tunnel.  The letters were sent to to Reps. Bill Young, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and Harold Rogers, Chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Doctoroff wrote that the tunnel is a "project of national significance that will greatly benefit New York's security, economic vitality, and environmental quality."

Mr. Gargano agreed, writing, "With rail freight traffic expected to increase 79 percent over the next 20 years in the Northeast, and many segments of our roadways already at capacity, we must begin to consider other options.  Completing the EIS for the Cross Harbor Freight Movement project is the first step in that process.  I urge you to support the request made by Reps. Nadler, [Christopher] Shays, and [Robert] Menendez to provide the necessary funds in FY03 to achieve that goal."

"The rail freight tunnel project is of tremendous importance to the economy of the area," said Rep. Nadler.  "But it is more than that.  The tunnel would be one of the few transportation projects in recent memory that would quickly pay for itself.  In this day and age, that is nearly unheard of.  I am glad the City and the State are onboard with me and my colleagues on how best to proceed.  I look forward to continuing our work on this project."

Rep. Nadler has served in Congress since 1992.  He represents the 8th Congressional District of New York, which includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.  He is the only New York City member on the Transportation committee, and the only New York State Democrat on the Committee.