For Immediate Release: February 11, 2026
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers President Kenneth W. Cooper issued the following statement on the shutdown of the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project:
“America’s transportation infrastructure is in desperate need of modernization if we hope to maintain our economic competitiveness in the world, and nowhere is that more painfully clear than in the critical and congested Northeast corridor.
“That’s why President Trump’s last-minute decision to block federal funds to the $16 billion Gateway project is so baffling. His actions aren’t just endangering businesses and commuters in New York and New Jersey but sowing chaos and putting more than 1,000 hardworking union members out of work.
“Gateway is one of the most important transportation projects in the nation, with strong bipartisan support and billions already spent in project planning. We call on President Trump to reverse his decision and immediately release funding so hardworking building trades members can get back to work modernizing the infrastructure America needs.”
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The IBEW represents approximately 887,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.