Gateway Commission taps Prendergast as CEO

The Gateway Development Commission, which oversees major rail infrastructure projects in the Northeast Corridor, yesterday announced it has appointed Tom Prendergast as CEO.

Prendergast brings to the role significant experience managing large rail infrastructure, including as past chairman, president and CEO of New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority. At MTA, Prendergast led the effort to secure a five-year capital plan to modernize New York’s public transportation systems and oversaw restoration of service after Hurricane Sandy and critical rehabilitation and flood resiliency efforts. He retired from MTA in 2017.

Prendergast comes to the commission from AECOM, where he oversaw design and consulting services across all business lines in New York and New Jersey, commission officials said in a press release.

He assumes the role of CEO as the commission is poised to advance the Hudson Tunnel Project, which calls or rehabilitating the existing tunnel under the Hudson River that carries Amtrak and New Jersey Transit trains between New Jersey and New York, and building a new tunnel to carry trains while the existing tunnel is being rehabilitated. The century-old tunnel is aging and was damaged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Seven of the 10 construction packages that make up the Hudson Tunnel Project are now under construction or in procurement. In the coming months, the commission is anticipating awarding the contract for building the tunnel on the Manhattan side of the Hudson River; completing production of the tunnel boring machines that will build the tunnel's New Jersey portion; and finish the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and utility relocation work related to the project. 

“A modern rail system that ensures fast, reliable service for commuters and travelers is the foundation for strong and sustained economic growth," said Prendergast. "As someone who has spent much of my career working to improve rail mass transit for residents of New York and New Jersey, I understand the urgent need for the Hudson Tunnel project, and I am committed to making sure it is built on time and on budget."