The Gateway Program Development Corporation (GDC) is turning to the private sector to issue ideas on how to deliver the Hudson Tunnel Project.

GDC issued a Request for Information (RFI), “seeking innovative ideas from private sector leaders to help inform planning for the procurement and delivery, including potential design, construction and financing solutions, of the Hudson Tunnel Project and the final section of the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing.”

The RFI focuses on three components of included in Phase 1B, which the GDC calls the “most urgent infrastructure program in the country.” Phase 1B of the Hudson Tunnel Project includes the construction of a new two-track Hudson River rail tunnel from New Jersey to Manhattan that will directly serve Penn Station New York (NYP), and the rehabilitation of the 106-year old, existing North River Tunnel, which was heavily damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The final section of the Hudson Yards Concrete Casing completes a project to preserve the right of way for a future tunnel to NYP.

“This RFI is a part of the Gateway Development Corporation’s commitment to engage private sector leaders with expertise in major infrastructure projects to seek innovations in delivering them better, faster and cheaper. By drawing on the skill and experience of industry professionals, we plan to incorporate the best practices to ensure the best possible result,” said GDC Chairman Richard H. Bagger.

“The RFI issued today is an example of the Gateway Development Corporation exploring all funding and project delivery scenarios to build the Hudson Tunnel Project as quickly and cost-effectively as possible,” said GDC Interim Executive Director John D. Porcari.

Qualified parties have until Sept. 15 to submit proposals and the RFI is being conducted independent of any studies or assessments under way in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.