In spite of reports that the Formula 1 race scheduled for the Hudson County waterfront next year is off, work is continuing in West New York in preparation for international event.

"As far as we are concerned, the race is still on," said West New York Mayor Felix Roque. "(Construction crews) are working diligently on Boulevard East, getting curbs and sidewalks done. ... They are out there today."

On Friday CNN quoted Bernie Ecclestone, president and CEO of Formula 1 racing, as saying the 3.2-mile race through West New York and Weehawken is "not in the cards for next year. They haven't got any money."

It was reported in June that Port Imperial Racing Associates, a group headed by former YES Network executive Leo Hindery that is sponsoring the race, retained the investment bank UBS to try and raise $100 million to finance the race.

"We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the story, but we don't discuss media reports or financial matters," said a spokesman for the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial. "We will have a statement after the FIA announces the 2014 calendar. Until then, we're continuing to prepare for the 2014 Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial."

The race was originally schedule for this past June, but was postponed on October, with financial issues cited as the reason.

Roque said the race is on until he gets official word that the race is off.

"The race will be a big boom to the local and state and economy," Roque said. "This will put us on the map worldwide."

Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner was surprised at the latest on-again, off-again rumors.

"No one from F1 down to Mr. Hindery has said the race was off," Turner said. "The way they negotiate details seems to be in the public."

Turner added that local officials should receive more news on Sept. 24, the date the 2014 F 1 schedule is due to be released.

"We'll see then if we are on the schedule," he said.