OPINION:
The Federal Transit Administration announced earlier this month that the Gateway Development Commission is now eligible for funding. But this doesn’t tell the whole story. There is still much work ahead for GDC before the FTA can contribute $6.8 billion in funding toward the first phase of the $16.8 billion project sometime in 2024.
This is standard procedure for any new transportation agency seeking certification to become eligible for funding. It is not a major accomplishment. New Jersey Transit Corp., as a certified recipient for decades, could have been the project sponsor. This would have saved both time and money. NJ Transit was the designated recipient for the predecessor, Access to the Region Core (ARC).
Why did it take GDC, originally established in July 2019 as the Gateway Development Corporation, four years and four months just to become eligible for FTA funding?
Future approval of this funding caps the total dollar commitment from Washington. The GDC is on the hook to cover costs beyond the agreed upon project cost, but it has no financial resources of its own. It would have to turn to Amtrak, NJ Transit, NJ Thruway Authority, Port Authority, Trenton and Albany to cover inevitable costs overruns. New Jersey motorists could end up paying increased tolls and NJ Transit riders might face fare increases.
Buyer beware.
LARRY PENNER
Great Neck, New York
Please read our comment policy before commenting.