TTD endorses efforts to advance Hudson rail tunnel project

The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), praised a proposal by Govs. Andrew Cuomo of New York and Chris Christie of New Jersey to build a new Hudson River rail tunnel system between the two states.

"We are pleased that Governors Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo have advanced a joint plan — in a letter to President Obama — to build a desperately needed Hudson River tunnel that serves Amtrak and commuter rail traffic between New Jersey and New York, and links to the entire Northeast Corridor," said TTD President Edward Wytkind in a prepared statement.

"While we will want to review the details of this proposed funding partnership between New York, New Jersey and the federal government, [this] news gives us hope that this looming mobility and economic crisis may be resolved," he said.

The union has long called for investment in a new tunnel system, especially in the days after Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the East Coast in fall 2012.

"We urge the Obama administration and Govs. Christie and Cuomo to reach an agreement quickly on a full funding plan for a Hudson River rail tunnel. This project will put thousands to work, give Amtrak and commuter railroads the infrastructure they need to meet projected growth in traffic and serve as a much needed shot in the arm for our economy," Wytkind said.