NEW YORK (AP) — A prominent New York City developer who has advised the Trump administration on infrastructure is denying reports he cheered on the president's decision not to pay half of the $13 billion cost of a new commuter rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey.

Vornado Realty Trust CEO Steven Roth says he believes the tunnel is a critical project that will involve substantial federal participation.

The reports in Politco and Crain's were based on a Roth email to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao that led to speculation he could benefit from a project involving more private investment.

In the email last year, Roth responded to a news story about Chao fighting big federal funding for the tunnel, telling her: "You are doing great ... stick to your guns."