This article provides the most comprehensive context on the project's history, technical challenges, and political obstacles. It includes substantive details from the 2017 feasibility study, quotes from key players like former deputy mayor Alicia Glen who worked on the original plan, and acknowledges local opposition. Unlike most coverage focused on the Trump-Mamdani relationship spectacle, this piece treats the proposal as a serious infrastructure question with significant practical barriers.
Most comprehensive coverage with substantial context on project history, technical challenges, and political obstacles. Quotes former deputy mayor Alicia Glen who calls it "an incredibly complex project" and notes the fraught relationship with Trump's first administration made federal partnership difficult previously. Includes local council member opposition and acknowledges the maze of competing interests. Treats proposal seriously while noting significant practical barriers to realization.
“It's an incredibly complex project. It could be done in a decade, but that's really optimistic”
“At the time, we were like, 'Well, we don't have a cooperative federal partner and it's going to be very difficult to do this without a federal partner'”
