By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters), The White House announced Wednesday that $2.9 Billion was available for funding by the Transportation Department in support of major infrastructure projects. This announcement is part of a $1 trillion law Congress passed in 2021.

The plans will be unveiled by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu at an event at a bridge connecting Washington DC with Arlington Virginia.

Buttigieg stated that the grant funding is “a unique opportunity to invest in our future infrastructure” and was available for only a limited time. Deadline for submissions is May 23,

It includes $1Billion for national and regionally significant projects, that are too big or complicated for traditional financing programs. Buttigieg described these as “cathedrals to our infrastructure.”

This could include bridges and tunnels connecting two states, new railway and transit lines, freight hubs that integrate truck, ship and rail traffic, as well as cargo hubs.

Additionally, the department plans to allocate $300 million for rural projects as well as $1.55 billion for highway, multimodal freight, and rail projects.

One potential recipient of funding is the $12.3 billion project to construct a tunnel from New York City to New Jersey, and also reconstruct an existing tunnel.

Buttigieg indicated that the project was likely to be funded, although it will still face scrutiny like other projects. Buttigieg stated that there was a feeling of urgency about the much-needed upgrades after he had visited the tunnel.

The Hudson Tunnel Project (NYSE:) is a crucial component of Gateway Program. This major project will overhaul large swathes of New York City’s rail infrastructure.

New York City’s rail tunnel was built in 1910 and damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Congress authorized $66 billion in rail funding as part of the large infrastructure bill. Amtrak received $22 Billion. In addition, $36 billion is set aside for grants to competitive applicants.