The Real Estate Board of New York to The Gateway Development Commission

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REBNY appreciates the opportunity to submit comment to the Gateway Development Commission in support of the revised Hudson Tunnel Project and of full funding for the Gateway project, of one of the most ambitious and critical infrastructure projects in the Northeast.   

Continued investment in our region’s infrastructure is essential for attracting and retaining an in-person workforce and businesses, which will help accelerate a robust and equitable economic recovery. This point is one of many reasons why REBNY is a proud member of the Build Gateway Now Coalition, comprised of civic, labor, and business leaders building support for the construction of this new rail tunnel.  

REBNY endorses the revised procurement strategy to build the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP), by splitting the Civil Works into smaller packages.  Dividing the Civil Works portion of HTP, the largest portion of the project, will foster a greater competitive bidding pool for this work and ensure a more innovative approach to the most urgent infrastructure project in this region.   

The new approach was developed utilizing feedback from the private sector as well as partnering with the Federal Transit Administration to advance the Capital Investment Grant process GDC is undergoing.  REBNY commends GDC for working so closely with the private sector to elicit feedback from industry experts and ensure a competitive and qualified group of bidders for the project, which will keep the project moving forward and towards completion in a timelier manner.   

The Gateway Project is critical to the region’s economic growth and recovery. HTP will create over 72,000 jobs for the region and will provide long-term climate resiliency.  As an organization representing private sector real estate interests, REBNY is proud to support these efforts.  Thank you for your time and consideration.