2026 NYNJ Infrastructure Forum Agenda

A Tale of Two Transportation Agencies: A Chat with Kris Kolluri

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Interviewer

Welcome Address

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Why Regional Infrastructure Matters

If there is anyone who has the BIG picture of infrastructure development—past, present and future—in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, it is Tom Wright, CEO of the Regional Plan Association. Through research, consulting and advocacy, the nonprofit has helped cities and public agencies develop and improve regional infrastructure to boost tri-state health, resilience and quality of life for the past 100 years. Recent initiatives include advocating for restored funding to Hudson River tunnels, fighting for renewable energy resources and documenting the connection between growth and transit investment, not new roads. A key goal is to transform housing quality, quantity and affordability in the region. Wright will explain how a focus on infrastructure planning for an interconnected region can make a difference for its people, economics and sustainable future.

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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

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Affordable Housing Infrastructure

On a recent Regional Plan Association webinar, Leila Bozorg, New York City Deputy Mayor for housing and planning, talked about using an “all of the above” approach to speed affordable housing delivery, including “new policy tools, supercharging public-sector housing delivery and lowering the cost of insurance.” She also noted the need for “statewide and regional action to truly address the housing crisis.” After his regional planning overview, Tom Wright, RPA CEO, will bring up a panel of experts in the field to discuss more of the tools used in this region and beyond. Agencies are encouraging housing development near mass transit and in places that would densify downtowns. Others are ensuring that residents of low- and moderate-incomes are part of additions meant to create more walkable, vibrant communities.

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Smoothing Out Project Environmental Reviews

As construction projects become more complex, agencies are using innovative approaches and new tech tools such as AI to transform and expedite the crucial environmental review phase. New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania agency leaders, and company and non-profit experts weigh in on reforms to speed approvals that keep protections, and address remaining hurdles at a critical time for Northeast infrastructure.

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A Roadmap to Advance New York’s Nuclear Future

In 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul called on the New York Power Authority to develop at least 1 GW of new zero-emission advanced nuclear energy capacity in upstate New York to support growing state power needs. In January, that statewide vision expanded to 5 GW of new capacity, bringing the envisioned nuclear fleet, including an existing 3.4 GW, to more than 8 GW. This session explores how the agency is set to deliver on that ambition—leveraging its statewide footprint, technical expertise and public‑power mission—with a focus on early investments, workforce‑development, nuclear team expansion and ongoing stakeholder engagement.

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Building Resilience Brings a Wave of Infrastructure Work

Meet the new commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ New York District, who will share plans for advancing a multi-billion-dollar construction program across the tri-state region. Projects involve major opportunities in coastal storm risk reduction, flood resiliency, port navigation, military construction, and modernization of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. A priority for the Corps and its partner agencies is to speed, coordinate, and deliver projects—streamlining processes to move critical infrastructure from planning to construction to service while opening contract opportunities for firms of all sizes.

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New Jersey Transportation Leader

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Shaping the Vision for Port Authority Airports

When James Heitmann and Palmina Whelan get together, what do they talk about? Jim is the chief operating officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Palmina is the capital program director for the New Terminal One at JFK. They have been working together on airport teams for more than 20 years—and this September, they will have a dialogue on the infrastructure forum stage. They will discuss the Port Authority's long view for future-proofing airport infrastructure, Jim's vision for the development process, tips for collaborating with multiple terminal developers, and the plans for next-generation technology like automated airfield operations, heliports and vertiports. What important projects are in the pipeline for Newark, JFK and tackling the final pain points at LaGuardia?

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Hudson River Tunnel

Hear the latest updates from the Gateway Development Commission on the $16-billion Hudson Tunnel project, including a key recent project award for the New Jersey Surface Alignment. Jim Starace, Gateway’s chief of program delivery, will highlight upcoming design, procurement and contracting opportunities for both small businesses and big players in the region over the next decade. The Gateway program will expand capacity and improve reliability along the busiest section of the Northeast Corridor, carrying roughly 800,000 passenger trips daily.

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Building the Next Generation Port Authority Bus Terminal

The replacement of the Port Authority Bus Terminal represents a once-in-a-generation investment in the future of regional transportation. This session will provide an overview of the program's evolution and its recent significant progress. Steven Plate, Chief of Major Capital Projects, will discuss key achievements, upcoming project milestones, and the path forward as the program transitions into its next stages. The presentation will also offer insights into future contracting and partnership opportunities supporting delivery of this landmark infrastructure project.

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NJ Speeds Permits: Faster Infrastructure, Same Protections

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherill aims to accelerate needed and cost-effective infrastructure, particularly in new energy generation and affordable housing, and to move well-scoped and financed projects into construction sooner. A streamlined permit process is a major mission for the state Dept. of Environmental Protection to insure approvals don’t delay projects that benefit customers and keep the environment safe. NJDEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak will highlight key elements of the agency's “Operation Fast” infrastructure permit program—and will join our panel to discuss successes and challenges experts see in making reviews stronger, faster and more transparent.

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Here is how the conversation tables work

Grab your lunch and choose your seat!

Each agency and industry expert will be at a seated at one of the roundtables in the expo hall where they will facilitate a conversation on the topic they have chosen. The hosts will engage with the attendees in a conversation—giving them information but also asking about their experiences and answering questions.

Seating will be on first-come, first-seated basis per table. There will be unstructured seating for those who prefer to chat with friends and colleagues.

Managing Projects in an Uncertain Market Environment

Mark Steffen, E-J Electric

Determining project pursuit priorities, managing operational assets and working around price escalation require new strategies for firms working on infrastructure projects in this region’s busy and changing markets. Mark Steffen, vice president and general manager for large specialty projects at E-J Electric, will lead a discussion of the impacts these factors have had on jobs and companies—and the paths to successful outcomes.

The Rise of Dispute Review Boards at Public Agencies

Chris Kane, P3 Collaborative LLC

Historically, many public infrastructure projects have been plagued by delays, cost overruns, defaults and drawn-out claims resolution processes. There is no “silver bullet” to fix all these problems. However, a multi-layered approach from beginning to end of the project, focused on avoidance and early resolution can produce very positive outcomes. When implemented correctly Dispute Review Boards can be a key ingredient to this approach and mitigate many of these problems. DRBs combined with partnering, stepped negotiations and mediation are a most potent formula to keep public projects from going off the rails.

Transforming the Capital Delivery Process in New York City (and why that's so badly needed)

Becky Yurek, Chief Strategy Officer, NYC Dept. of Design & Construction

NYC’s Department of Design and Construction delivers over $34 billion in public works, from the coastal resiliency program reshaping lower Manhattan and Red Hook to the libraries and recreation centers that exemplify design excellence. Yet the maze of bureaucracy that constrains public agencies can lead the work to take too long and cost too much. As projects become increasingly complex and urgent, DDC has led transformative change to the capital delivery process to build better, faster, cheaper. This discussion will illustrate tangible tools and strategies to transform public works delivery, highlighted in DDC’s 2025 Strategic Blueprint, and the importance of partnering across sectors to champion reform.

Elevating Safety, Security, and Operations: How MTA Bridges and Tunnels is Leading with Drone Technology

Cathy Sheridan, President, MTA Bridges and Tunnels

In 2024, MTA Bridges and Tunnels launched a comprehensive drone program that is transforming the way the nation’s largest bridge and tunnel authority safeguards, operates, and maintains its critical infrastructure. Learn how the agency is leveraging drones for both proactive security—through advanced drone detection systems that monitor and respond to unauthorized activity—and operational excellence, with missions supporting emergency response, infrastructure inspections, special events, 3D mapping, and project progress monitoring. See how real-time data, geo-fencing, and rapid deployment protocols enhance situational awareness, improve safety for employees and the public, and strengthen resilience across the agency’s facilities.

Preparing to Deliver the Interborough Express (IBX) Light Rail Project

Jim Beers, Jacobs

The Interborough Express is a transformative rapid transit project that will connect currently underserved areas of Brooklyn and Queens. It will substantially cut down on travel times between the two boroughs, reduce congestion, and expand economic opportunities for the people who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Jacobs-HDR Joint Venture was selected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to provide design and engineering consultant services for this major investment in New York City’s transit future. This discussion will highlight the efforts in navigating the procurement process and initiating the mobilization activities for a mega-project.

Delivering Infrastructure at Scale: Lessons from Mega-Projects

Patrick Askew, McKissack & McKissack

Mega-projects in the New York region—from airports to transit hubs—require firms to manage complex stakeholder relationships, tight schedules, and evolving community priorities. Patrick Askew, Executive Vice President of McKissack & McKissack will lead a dialogue about lessons learned from decades of leading large-scale projects. Attendees will explore strategies for coordination, managing risk, and balancing innovation with budget realities. This conversation will highlight practical approaches to keeping mega-projects on track while maximizing public benefit.