Power 100: N – Z
Philip Norcross
Law firm Parker McCay and lobbying firm Optimus Partners might represent the epitome of the politically connected firms – if the news headlines and government watchdogs are to be believed. Philip, an executive at both, is the nexus of those connections. That became evident in 2019, when activists and a task force put together by the Murphy administration outlined Optimus’ and Parker McCay’s alleged influence over the creation of the 2013 tax break program, and in helping businesses win lucrative incentive awards. Philip is the brother of both George Norcross, the South Jersey political kingmaker, and Donald Norcross, a U.S. congressman representing the First Congressional District. With the creation of a new massive tax break legislation, Trenton insiders have been speculating about just what kind of role Philip could play in helping businesses win incentives.
Schumer Confident About Hudson River Tunnel Project, Congestion Pricing
arrow A view into the North River Tunnel between Penn Station and New Jersey. Edwin J. Torres / NJ Governor s Office
The long-stalled Gateway Project, which at its core includes building a new train tunnel under the Hudson River between Penn Station and New Jersey, and rehabilitating the existing 110-year-old Sandy-damaged tunnel, is expected to move to the front of the infrastructure project line under the Biden administration, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confidently declared on Monday.
“I’ve got plenty of money,” Schumer said on a conference call with advocates and reporters. “I’ve called [incoming Transportation] Secretary Buttigeig, I’ve spoken to President Biden to release this money ASAP. If we’re not making progress I’m going to call on all of you to help.”
2021 should bring big moves toward new Hudson River rail tunnels, supporters say
Updated Dec 23, 2020;
Could 2021 be the year that work to build two new long awaited Hudson River rail tunnels to carry NJ Transit and Amtrak trains to and from New York finally gets a green light?
The agency charged with overseeing the bi-state effort has an optimistic to-do list for 2021 to advance the project, after the administration of President-elect Joe Biden takes over in Washington.
“President-Elect Biden has specifically committed to building a new Hudson River tunnel, stating that there is, ‘no greater infrastructure priority in the country than the Gateway Project’ in 2017, and calling for a ‘new, safer Hudson River Tunnel” in his infrastructure plan,’ said trustees of the Gateway Program Development Corporation in a letter to project supporters.
Murphy s Gateway Commission nominees confirmed by Senate Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com
The Senate unanimously confirmed Gov. Phil Murphy s picks Thursday to serve on the commission that would oversee Gateway tunnel projects.
Janine Bauer and Dr. Balpreet Grewal-Virk also received unanimous support in the Senate judiciary committee Monday. This is a huge step forward, said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck. I am particularly pleased that it is these two women that we are appointing to this very important and prestigious board. Janine Bauer has an unparalleled set of experience in transportation and Dr. Grewal-Virk, who with her scientific background and analytics and financial background, will be a great addition.