NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration has taken control of the $7 billion reconstruction project for Penn Station in New York City, effectively sidelining the city’s mass transit agency, as announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Thursday. This decision comes amid ongoing efforts by state and city officials to modernize the country’s busiest rail hub, which has long been plagued by issues such as outdated tracks and uninviting commuter passages.
Secretary Duffy expressed confidence in his agency's ability to deliver a world-class Penn Station by collaborating directly with Amtrak, the federally chartered railroad company that owns the midtown Manhattan station. He emphasized that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) would no longer lead the reconstruction, citing its "history of inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement" as reasons for a new approach to the project.
Gov. Kathy Hochul framed the administration's move as "a major victory for New Yorkers," predicting significant taxpayer savings. She revealed that she had previously sought federal funding from Trump to aid in the station's redevelopment. Hochul expressed her gratitude, thanking both the President and Secretary Duffy for taking charge of the ambitious project. "I want to thank the President and Secretary Duffy for taking on the sole responsibility to deliver the beautiful new $7 billion station that New Yorkers deserve," she stated in her remarks.
In addition, Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber welcomed the federal government’s increased focus on the project, noting that he expected the MTA to remain involved due to its status as the station's major leaseholder. This partnership is essential as the project progresses, ensuring that key stakeholders collaborate on the vision for the new Penn Station.
Recently, Secretary Duffy has had a contentious relationship with the MTA over various issues, including rising crime rates on the city's subways and the implementation of a $9 congestion toll for vehicles entering the most congested areas of Manhattan. Federal authorities have set a Sunday deadline to conclude discussions regarding the congestion tolls, indicating ongoing tensions and negotiations over urban transit strategies.
The details regarding the timeline and specific plans for the reconstruction of Penn Station have not yet been outlined by the administration, leaving many stakeholders curious about the next steps. Nevertheless, this pivotal decision marks a significant shift in the approach to bettering New York City's transportation infrastructure and modernizing a critical transit hub that serves millions of commuters each year.
