Again, the Regional Rail Working Group will focus on getting NJ Transit back on the right track -- redirecting the Hudson River tunnel project to a more sensible plan that eliminates the deep cavern station and brings trains directly into existing platforms and tracks in Penn Station, and then builds a new connection from these tracks in Penn Station into existing tracks and platforms in the lower level of Grand Central.

Joe Clift will make a presentation for the RRWG that advocates for this proposal.

In addition, a progress report will be made focusing on the endorsement by the Mayors of Jersey City and Hoboken on a routing for the new tunnel through their communities, that avoids the extensive damage to wetlands that results from NJ Transit's current plan to expand Portal Bridge capacity just west of Secaucus, N.J.

Other agenda items will be progress reports on key RRWG initiatives:

• Through-running at Penn Station
• Upper Level Loop Alternative for LIRR East Side Access
• Rockaway Cut-off -- one-seat ride Midtown Manhattan-JFK Airport
• Lower Manhattan Access
• Light Rail in the Lincoln Tunnel
• Regional Rail Freight plan
• Intercity rail passenger issues