Governor Andrew Cuomo is headed to Washington D.C. on Wednesday to meet with President Trump for a discussion on the Gateway Tunnel.
Cuomo will ask for federal money to help build the tunnel that would connect New York City and New Jersey. Two existing tunnels were badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy and the governor said they must be replaced.
“If only one of the two 100 year old tunnels becomes unusable it would pose a serious economic hardship for New York City and the entire Northeast corridor,” Cuomo said in a statement.
Last month, Governor Cuomo toured the existing Gateway Tunnels to see the damage firsthand. He then sent a video to President Trump that showed the corrosion.
“The video shows the decay inside the tunnel,” Cuomo said.
A tentative deal had been struck between Cuomo, former President Barack Obama and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. However, Trump pulled out of the agreement when he took office.
Transportation issues have become a big problem in the region in recent years. New Jersey Transit often struggles with delays and cancellations. Cuomo is now urging the president to put up federal money to help.
“This is not a partisan issue but a practical government necessity,” Cuomo said.
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