What happened: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Oct. 1 announced the Second Avenue Subway and Hudson Tunnel projects are under administrative review and will be unable to receive reimbursements for work completed during this time. According to the administration, they will be evaluated to ensure compliance with new regulations for implementing the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
However, because of the federal government shutdown, the agency has furloughed staff from its Office of Civil Rights tasked with conducting these reviews. Therefore, the timetable for releasing this funding is uncertain.
Guide walls for the 12th Avenue shaft of the new Hudson Rail Tunnel in Manhattan are being installed. Photo credit: The Gateway Program (August 2025)
Why it matters: According to U.S. DOT, these two projects were selected for review because they “are arguably the largest infrastructure projects in the Western Hemisphere, and the American people want to see them completed quickly and efficiently.”
What’s next: It is unclear if other projects will be selected for similar reviews. ARTBA will keep members apprised of both the status of the New York projects and any other developments relating to the government shutdown.
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