- Trump Funding Freeze Halts Construction On Nation's Largest Transportation Infrastructure Project
- Kapsch Roadside Unit Is First Connected Vehicle Hardware To Receive FCC Certification
- Another Federal Government Shutdown Affecting USDOT Looms This Weekend
- Subscription Information
This is a Subscribers-Only area. If you are a subscriber, please login. If not...
Become a Subscriber Today »
Trump Funding Freeze Halts Construction On Nation's Largest Transportation Infrastructure Project
Gateway Development Commission (GDC) announced Tuesday, January 27, it can’t continue paying for Hudson Tunnel Project construction after February 6 unless a federal funding freeze implemented by President Trump and USDOT is lifted over the next few days. GDC notified the massive project’s contractors to spend the next two weeks winding down work at active construction sites in New York, New Jersey, and on the Hudson River.
The project is replacing an obsolete rail tunnel link to New York City. It is the keystone of the $16 billion Gateway Program, which is often characterized as the nation’s “most urgent major infrastructure program.” Construction started in late 2023. The work stoppage will continue until GDC receives additional funding, and it immediately jeopardizes about 1,000 jobs.
In October, the first day of 2025’s long US government shutdown, President Trump and USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy imposed the funding freeze ostensibly for an investigation into New York and New Jersey application of “unconstitutional DEI principles” in contracting. However, their action was widely interpreted as as a political maneuver aimed at forcing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to end the shutdown. The freeze has outlasted the reopening of the government. Since October, GDC has used a line of credit and other available funding to keep construction on schedule.
In a news release, GDC chief executive Thomas Prendergast stated, “We have done everything in our power to keep construction moving forward as planned, but we cannot fund this work on credit indefinitely. Pausing construction is the absolute last resort, and we will continue working around the clock to secure funding so that the workers who are counting on this project to pay their bills can stay on the job and we can continue delivering the reliable, 21st-century infrastructure America needs.”
To date, more than $4 billion in federal funding has been obligated for the tunnel project, and $1 billion spent on heavy construction and the procurement of boring machines.
Lawmakers and officials from both states and both major political parties have urged the government to restart funding. USDOT has referred media questions about the freeze to the White House. Today, a presidential spokesperson said the freeze is now tied to Trump administration efforts to deport undocumented aliens. “It’s [Democratic senate leader] Chuck Schumer and Democrats who are standing in the way of a deal for the Gateway Tunnel Project by refusing to negotiate with the Trump administration. There is nothing stopping Democrats from prioritising the interests of Americans over illegal aliens and getting this project back on track,” he said.
Source: GDC news release, “New Civil Engineer”, NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey Globe
Company and Agency Financial Issues And Reports Gateway Program (Northeast US Rail Tunnels Project) New Jersey New York New York City US Department of Transportation (USDOT) US Gov't Transportation Funding US Infrastructure Funding And Financing InitiativesKapsch Roadside Unit Is First Connected Vehicle Hardware To Receive FCC Certification
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has certified Kapsch TrafficCom’s RIS-9360 roadside unit under the terms of its current rule on cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology. Kapsch’s device is the first connected vehicle hardware to receive FCC approval.
The rule, adopted in 2024 and effective last February, sets out technical parameters and guidelines for on-board and roadside units in order to facilitate a transition from the DSRC wireless protocol to C-V2X. The new technology allows vehicles to communicate directly with other vehicles, infrastructure, and other road users. The data thereby exchanged can enhance roadway safety and mobility in several ways.
In a news release, Kapsch noted, “The FCC-certified hardware enables connected vehicle use cases such as roadworks warnings, weather alerts, and congestion and emergency vehicle alerts, among many others.” JB Kendrick, Kapsch TrafficCom North America President, commented, “We are excited to be the first provider to have our hardware certified under the new regulation to facilitate reliable system performance and advancements of connected mobility applications. This allows us and our distribution partners to provide state-of-the-art connected vehicle hardware and critical software, bringing this safety-relevant technology to American roads.”
Kapsch added, “By formalizing the transition to connected vehicle technology, the FCC is paving the way for the next generation of intelligent transportation technologies giving the industry including authorities, OEMs and infrastructure suppliers the legal framework for operation of the C-V2X radio technology and security for investments. [FCC regulations] will foster the development of smart infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, and other advanced transportation systems, ultimately resulting in safer roads, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced economic productivity. The certification of [Kapsch TrafficCom’s roadside unit] signifies a crucial milestone in the modernization of the U.S. transportation network, representing a vital step towards a more connected and automated future.”
Sources: Kapsch news release, Traffic Technology Today, FCC public notice on transition from DSRC to C-V2X operations
Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Safety (Includes COVID-19 Impacts) Intelligent Transportation Systems Kapsch Transportation and Infrastructure Research & Development US Federal Communications Comm'n V2X and V2V TechnologyAnother Federal Government Shutdown Affecting USDOT Looms This Weekend
Another partial federal government shutdown appears likely to begin on Saturday, January 31, when the continuing resolution adopted by Congress in November expires. USDOT is one of the agencies that would be affected.
Senate Democrats said they will block new appropriations legislation unless the Trump administration agrees to initiate changes in its aggressive program of immigration law enforcement. Among other things, they want the Department of Homeland Security to adopt an enforceable code of conduct for federal agents and change procedures for conducting searches and arrests.
According to an Associated Press report filed last night, “It was unclear whether [the president himself] would weigh in, or how seriously the White House was engaged — or whether the two sides could agree on anything that would satisfy Democrats.”
Sources: Associated Press, CNN, Scripps News Group
Company and Agency Financial Issues And Reports Economic & Social Considerations Affecting Transportation US Department of Transportation (USDOT) US Gov't Transportation FundingSubscription Information
If you’re not already a Daily News Briefs subscriber and you want a complete picture of today’s news, click here or call 717-991-2823 for information. If you’re a newcomer to TollRoadsNews.com, try a free trial.