The governors of New York and New Jersey have named their appointed representatives to the Gateway Development Commission, which is a bi-state entity that will provide oversight to the construction of the new Hudson Tunnel Project.
The Gateway Development Commission was established through identical pieces of legislation passed in both New York and New Jersey. The commission consists of seven members in total: three to represent New York, three for New Jersey and one for Amtrak. The members from each of the states will report to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on the progress of the Gateway Program.
New York's appointees to the commission are New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, Thruway Authority Project Director Jamey Barbas and former Secretary to the Governor Steven M. Cohen.
"Gateway is the single most important infrastructure project not only for this region but for the entire nation, and it will require the input of seasoned professionals who know what it takes to deliver major, multifaceted projects," Gov. Cuomo said. "I'm confident these three talented and dedicated individuals will do an exceptional job representing New York in this critical undertaking."
New Jersey’s appointees are Janine G. Bauer and Balpreet Grewal Virk, who upon confirmation from the New Jersey Senate will collectively serve as New Jersey's representatives, along with Jerry Zaro, the current chairman of the Gateway Program Development Corporation.
"By signing legislation creating the Gateway Development Commission and nominating commissioners from both New Jersey and New York, Gov. Cuomo and I are renewing our commitment to moving the Hudson Tunnel Project forward," said Gov. Murphy. "The commissioners we have chosen today represent a group of talented individuals of the highest integrity and professionalism who will provide meaningful oversight and accountability over this project of national importance. I look forward to working with our partners in New York to fully constitute the Board of the Gateway Development Commission so we can advance the important work of ensuring the safe and efficient mobility of our region's residents and commuters."
Frank Sacr, interim executive director of the Gateway Program Development Corporation issued a statement that said, “We welcome and congratulate the new Gateway Commissioners who will form the founding Board of the bi-state Gateway Development Commission. They are seasoned transportation, advocacy and government professionals who will be tremendously helpful in finally replacing a more than century-old system with 21st Century rail transportation linking New York and New Jersey.”
Amtrak Chairman of the Board Anthony Coscia was appointed to the commission this summer and Sacr explains that all the required appointments are in place to provide the commission with a full complement of commissioners ready to move the Gateway Program forward.
“Our full slate of commissioners will be good for the region, the nation's economy and - most importantly - the hundreds of thousands of daily Amtrak and NJ Transit riders,” said Sacr. “The new, stronger organization will have the tools and resources necessary to oversee delivery of the Gateway Program projects. Building on the success of the Gateway Program Development Corporation, we must move to full construction as soon as possible on these critical infrastructure improvements before it’s too late.”
