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The Port Authority of New York and New Yersey has launched the RFP to conduct the Tier II Environmental Impact Study to explore the impact and feasibility of the Cross Harbor Freight Movement Project. The study is expected to cost between US$35 million and US$70 million.

The Cross-Harbor Rail Tunnel (also known as the Cross Harbor Rail Freight Tunnel) is a proposed freight rail transport tunnel under Upper New York Bay in the Port of New York and New Jersey between northeastern New Jersey and Long Island, including southern and eastern New York City.

On September 25, 2015 the Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement was released, which narrowed the alternatives to two. These are namely: 

• The Enhanced Railcar Float Alternative, ranging from US$95 million to US$190 million.
• The Rail Tunnel Alternative (a double track tunnel with vertical clearances to accommodate double stack intermodal service), with a total investment ranging from and from US$7 billion to US$11 billion​.

By improving the movement of goods across the harbor, the project would provide near-term and long-term improvements to the regional freight network, reduce truck traffic congestion, improve air quality, and provide economic benefits. The project's goals, and specific objectives under these goals, are the basis for developing the criteria and methodology for evaluating the project alternatives. We've identified several specific goals for the CHFP:

• Reducing the contribution of cross-harbor truck trips to congestion along major freight corridors
• Giving cross-harbor shippers, receivers, and carriers attractive new alternatives such as rail and float ferry to existing interstate trucking services
• Expanding facilities for goods movement to improve system resiliency, safety, and security, and to protect our infrastructure
• Supporting development of integrated freight transportation/land use strategies