Story perspectives

MTA CEO Rejects Amtrak Deal, Seeks $1 B Federal Aid

6/25/2026

Summary

Lieber Rejects Deal

MTA chief executive Janno Lieber rejected Amtrak’s memorandum of agreement for Penn Station renovation.
Lieber said the agreement would weaken lease rights that let the MTA approve work on the LIRR portion.
Andy Byford sent the memorandum at 7:31 a.m. Monday after news reports, prompting Lieber to call it “gamesmanship.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration asked for $87.6 billion aid, including $1 billion for the $7-$8 billion Penn Station renovation to start by end-2027.

Summary

Vought Earmarks

OMB memo signed by budget director Russell Vought earmarks $1 billion for Penn Station within an $87.6 billion package.
Byford plans to buy the Infosys Theater from James Dolan for an Eighth Avenue entrance, seeking money despite Governor Hochul’s claim of full federal funding.
Secretary Steven Bradbury said construction will be accelerated “on Trump time” and announced $1.4 billion for Ebola in Central Africa, $500 million for D.C. projects, and $11.1 billion for assistance.

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Lieber Rejects Deal

MTA chief executive Janno Lieber rejected Amtrak’s memorandum of agreement for Penn Station renovation.
Lieber said the agreement would weaken lease rights that let the MTA approve work on the LIRR portion.
Andy Byford sent the memorandum at 7:31 a.m. Monday after news reports, prompting Lieber to call it “gamesmanship.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration asked for $87.6 billion aid, including $1 billion for the $7-$8 billion Penn Station renovation to start by end-2027.

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