Bill would create entity to push for Gateway rail tunnel funding

(AP) - A bill put forward in New Jersey's Senate is the latest step to try and get crucial federal funding for a new rail tunnel into New York City.
The bipartisan measure announced Friday would create a commission composed of representatives of both states and Amtrak to oversee the $13 billion-plus project.
A New York Assembly committee approved an identical bill Friday. Bi-state legislation is needed to create a project sponsor that can apply for federal grants and loans.
The states and federal government have clashed in recent years over how the project will be paid for.
A new tunnel would keep trains running while the existing, 109-year-old tunnel that was damaged in Superstorm Sandy undergoes repairs. The ultimate goal is to double rail capacity between New York and New Jersey.
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