Trump Administration and the M.T.A. Clash Over Penn Station Redesign
MTA Chief Executive Janno Lieber has rejected a Penn Station renovation deal proposed by the Trump administration and Amtrak. Lieber described the plan as "bizarre" and warned it would result in a concourse "tear up." Governor Hochul is currently attempting to de-escalate the conflict between the agencies.
What changed
The MTA has formally declined to partner in the redesign and issued a scathing letter to Amtrak and the Department of Transportation.
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MTA Rejects Trump Administration Penn Station Redesign Plan
confidence 90%MTA Chief Executive Janno Lieber has rejected a Penn Station renovation deal proposed by the Trump administration and Amtrak. Lieber described the plan as "bizarre" and warned it would result in a concourse "tear up." Governor Hochul is currently attempting to de-escalate the conflict between the agencies.
What's confirmed:
- MTA Chief Executive Janno Lieber wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Amtrak criticizing the Penn Station plan.
- The Trump administration and Amtrak approved a redesign plan that allows Madison Square Garden to remain in place.
- The federal government pledged $8 billion to revamp Penn Station.
- Penn Transformation Partners, a joint venture of Halmar and Skanska, is the master developer for the project.
- The project aims to break ground by the end of 2027.
- Governor Hochul is moving to de-escalate the fight between the MTA and Amtrak.
Still unconfirmed:
- Renderings of the redesign show the president's name carved into a wall.
- Federal officials sought to add $1 billion for the revamp to a defense-spending request.
- MTA Boss accused Amtrak's Byford of gamesmanship regarding a leaked letter.