 Modern proposals for completion of the tunnel have come from New York City Councilman Lewis A. Fidler, who has proposed a one-third of one percent tax for the tristate region to pay for the construction. The tunnel was one of several projects that could have competed for $ 3 billion of federal funds that were to have been allocated to the ARC tunnel, which was canceled by New Jersey governor Chris Christie in October 2010. State Senator Diane Savino, whose district includes parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn, supported such a plan, saying, "The MTA should complete a 1912 plan that would have rail and freight access from the terminus of Victory Boulevard to Brooklyn, along 67th Street, then utilize the R train along Fourth Avenue." The plan's projected cost would be $ 3 billion, "the same as a proposed extension of the 7 line under the Hudson River." Supporters stated that a rail tunnel would improve quality of life for Staten Islanders, reduce traffic, and increase the attractiveness of the borough for investment.
