The Trump administration’s freeze on federal funds for the now-stalled Gateway rail tunnel project can continue until at least Thursday, a federal judge ruled Monday.
The federal Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean Duffy, appealed a decision last week from U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas, who ruled the funds should be disbursed to continue the critical infrastructure project. Vargas is now keeping things in a holding pattern until a separate ruling emerges from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Vargas issued a short administrative stay, which permits the Trump administration time to ask for the appellate court to decide on its request. DOT did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
If the appellate court grants a longer hold on the funds before Thursday, then Trump’s federal funding freeze on Gateway will continue. If not, Vargas’ initial decision to release the funds takes effect at 5 p.m., and DOT has to turn over the money to Gateway.
