On October 8, 2024, the U.S. DOT Project Delivery Center of Excellence held the second event of the three-part thought leadership series: Making Good on the Potential of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. U.S. DOT Acting Under Secretary of Transportation Policy Christopher Coes delivered opening remarks. Guest speakers Stephen Sigmund, Gateway Development Commission Chief of Public Outreach, and Jessica Mefford-Miller, Valley Metro Chief Executive Officer, shared key insights on best practices to get big infrastructure projects off the ground. U.S. DOT Office of the Secretary Coordinator for Project Delivery Stephanie Pollack moderated the program. 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Acting Under Secretary Coes highlighted the approaching third anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the U.S. DOT's commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects. He noted the generational investment of over $11 billion in discretionary funding supports more than 60,000 projects, including roads, bridges, ports, and airports. Coes emphasized DOT’s focus on impactful, complex infrastructure and the importance of delivering these projects on time, on budget, and with lasting benefits for communities—from job creation to enhanced equity and sustainability.

Hudson Tunnel Project: Point of No Turning Back

Stephen Sigmund outlined the Gateway Development Commission’s efforts to deliver the Hudson Tunnel Project, a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing and expanding the tunnel system between New York and New Jersey. 

The Hudson Tunnel is a critical part of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) that serves 800,000 daily rail passengers. However, the 114-year-old tunnel system has deteriorated, particularly after Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which severely damaged the tunnel's infrastructure. Further deterioration would lead to substantial economic losses, job cuts, and environmental damage. Sigmund noted that a delay in repairs would result in an estimated $16 billion loss to GDP and substantial CO2 emissions.

The Hudson Tunnel Project involves constructing two new rail tracks and rehabilitating the existing North River Tunnel to alleviate congestion and improve rail traffic on the NEC. 

Challenges to Breaking Ground

The Hudson Tunnel Project has faced over 15 years of political and funding challenges, including funding opposition, cancellations, and delays under previous administrations. Sigmund attributed its survival to persistence and coalition building with businesses, labor, and political leaders. Throughout the delays, the Gateway Development Commission worked to continue to push the narrative around the critical need for the project, establishing the Build Gateway Now Coalition and leveraging tools such as reports on the impact of the delays, a count-up clock on the duration of the environmental impact statement, and a 108th Hudson rail tunnel custom-made delay cake.

Breaking Ground 

Sigmund acknowledged the historic investment from BIL in 2021 was the breakthrough the project needed to move forward. BIL provided $12 billion in federal grants and $4 billion in federal loans, a 70-30 funding split between federal and local governments. Federal programs like the Capital Investment Grant and the newly created Federal-State Partnership Grant were crucial in securing funds. The project is expected to create 100,000 jobs and generate $20 billion in economic activity. Over $1 billion in contracts have already been awarded.

Construction has started on the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge, Hudson Yards Concrete Casing, and Hudson River Ground Stabilization to prepare for tunnel boring. By 2025, major construction milestones will include tunneling through the Palisades and connecting the new tunnel with Manhattan. 

Key Takeaways for Success

Sigmund emphasized the importance of persistence, bipartisan political engagement, and ensuring a consistent flow of work despite changing political and economic conditions to keep complex, long-term projects on track. Key takeaways include:

• Engage elected representatives early and share progress updates often
• Build a broad coalition of supporters including community leaders, labor partners, and advocacy groups
• Create an organizational structure that has the resources and talent the project needs.

Phoenix Public Transit System: Rapid Expansion

Jessica Mefford-Miller shared Valley Metro’s best practices in developing its regional transit system, focusing on funding strategies, partnerships with federal entities like the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and community engagement. She emphasized the rapid expansion of Phoenix's public transit system and key projects like light rail and streetcar developments. 

Valley Metro operates a diverse transit system in the Phoenix metropolitan region, including bus routes, light rail, and streetcar systems. The region is home to about 4.5 million people and is one of the nation's fastest growing counties. To support that growth, Valley Metro has made major investments in infrastructure, including transit. Valley Metro operates almost 100 fixed routes and 30 miles of light rail, which was largely developed over a 15-year period. Mefford-Miller highlighted recent projects such as the Northwest Phase 2, South Central Extension, and Tempe Streetcar expansion that are moving the 30-mile system to over 35 miles of light rail, adding 3 miles of streetcar operations, and being delivered ahead of schedule and within budget. 

Funding 

Mefford-Miller acknowledged early challenges such as initiatives to eliminate light rail expansion in Phoenix. However, support from the public has been critical in defeating those measures, with voters electing multiple times to continue investment in the regional transportation system. She cites the regional transportation sales tax as their largest source of funding locally, which supports transit, highways, roads, and bridges.

Mefford-Miller stressed the importance of having the critical local funding in place before engaging in the federal funding process. She noted that Valley Metro also has been successful in securing federal dollars for transit projects in the region, including a RAISE grant and Capital Investment Grant funds. 

Community Engagement and Partnerships 

Mefford-Miller listed early and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders and the public as a priority for Valley Metro. They have established community relations coordinators and construction advisory boards to create regular touch points with the community, build relationships, and ensure their feedback is integrated throughout each project phase. 

In addition, Valley Metro implements a business assistance program to help local businesses impacted by construction. The program offers grants, marketing support, and events to drive customer traffic, ensuring that businesses survive and thrive throughout the construction process. She noted 88 percent of businesses along the region’s South Central corridor participate in the business assistance program.

Mefford-Miller also emphasized the importance of strong relationships with federal authorities. In particular, Valley Metro’s partnering with FTA has facilitated efficient project delivery on time and on or under budget. She stressed how Valley Metro strategically times requests for project development, entry into engineering, and full funding grant agreements to ensure they’re equipped to deliver the work. She also noted regular check-ins with FTA to ensure transparency has been paramount in fostering a collaborative relationship, securing ongoing federal support, and ensuring timely project delivery. 

Key Takeaways for Success

Mefford-Miller underscored long-term vision, stakeholder engagement, community collaboration, and strong funding strategies as vital to delivering major infrastructure projects on time and within budget. Key takeaways include:

• A long-term vision and local leadership are critical
• Engage public and stakeholders throughout each project stage
• Identify and mitigate risk early
• Plan each project stage in accordance with federal process
• Engage federal funding partners throughout the project.

Throughout the panel session, the speakers highlighted the importance of strategic planning, community involvement, and effective funding in modernizing and expanding essential transit infrastructure. Their successes serve as models for other regions aiming to enhance their public transportation systems and support economic growth.

View the recording for more information.

The final event in the series, Project Acceleration for the Public Good, will be held Tuesday, October 22 at 1:00 pm ET. This session will feature Stephen Roe Lewis, Gila River Indian Community Governor; Gregory Byres, Arizona Department of Transportation Deputy Director/State Engineer; and Kurt Kionka, Colorado Department of Transportation I-70 Floyd Hill Project Director. Gregg Fleming, U.S. DOT Volpe Center Director, will welcome and introduce speakers. Mariia Zimmerman, U.S. DOT Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, will deliver opening remarks. Stephanie Pollack, Office of the Secretary Coordinator for Project Delivery, will moderate the Q&A period.