The Federal Transit Administration okayed plans for the Access to the Region’s Core tunnel yesterday, bringing the historic project a step closer to fruition. Approval of the environmental impact statement, preliminary design, and a new station to handle increased ridership on Jan. 14 and approval of the final design on Jan. 16 enables NJ Transit to negotiate federal funding for the final $3 billion needed. [Text updated 1/20 to reflect final design approval.]

With a federal economic stimulus package on the horizon and transit ridership growing exponentially, the landmark decision could not have come a better time. An extra push from tri-state Congressional delegations could cinch the deal and get construction underway by the end of summer. Interested readers can send letters in support to their elected officials on TSTC’s website.

Museum of the City of New York to Hold ARC Panel Next Week

What will the ARC Tunnel mean for New York City? TSTC’s Kate Slevin will moderate a panel on this topic next Thursday, January 22, at 6:30pm at the Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Ave., at 103rd St.). Panelists include Jeff Zupan of the Regional Plan Association (who is also a TSTC board member), Art Silber of NJ Transit, Susan Bass Levin of the Port Authority, and Dan Biederman of the 34th Street Partnership. Learn more and purchase tickets ($9 general admission) here.