Vol. 2, No. 4, June 2007

Executive Director Outlines Vision For Port Authority

During a breakfast meeting of the Association for a Better New York on May 15, Port Authority Executive Director Anthony E. Shorris unveiled an innovative agenda to tackle future regional mobility and environmental issues in the New York-New Jersey region. Shorris outlined a long-term vision for the Port Authority focusing on safety, opportunity, and sustainability for the region, as well as rebuilding capacity and quality at the agency. In addition, he highlighted cashless tolling as one key component. Shorris said he planned to ask the agency's Board of Commissioners to approve a study on an all-electronic toll-collection system in the near future. Such a system could eliminate the need for tollbooths in favor of electronic cameras and gantries, and allow for greater sharing of real-time traffic information. Read more... To view full text of the speech click here.

Port Authority Commits to Fight Global Warming

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia addressed the graduating class at New Jersey Institute of Technology's (NJIT) 2007 commencement ceremony on May 17, where he urged graduates to be a part of a new, national commitment to invest in our infrastructure. As a part of his address, Chairman Coscia announced the Port Authority's long-term plan to reduce the global warming impact of agency's ports and airports by 80 percent. The environmental initiative puts the agency at the forefront of meeting New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine's statewide greenhouse gas reduction target set in February 2007. Read more… To view full text of the speech click here.

World Trade Center Progress Continues

Several new developments have taken place regarding the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site: The Port Authority, Silverstein Properties and seven insurers settled all outstanding claims related to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Under the agreement, insurers agreed to pay the Port Authority and Silverstein Properties $4.55 billion in insurance claims. The World Trade Center Memorial Foundation and the Port Authority announced the selection of Owen Steel Company, Inc. to provide steel for construction of the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum. Owen Steel is one of only two steel mills in the world to produce the sections of steel that fit both size requirements and U.S. specifications for the project. This contract keeps redevelopment of the World Trade Center site on schedule. Read more... In addition, April 27 marked the first anniversary of the start of construction on the Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center site. The $2.8 billion project continues to make substantial progress. During the first half of this year, the Port Authority expected to issue approximately $1 billion in construction contracts for the Freedom Tower. In April, the Port Authority approved two additional construction contracts totaling nearly $220 million. Read more... To view the latest World Trade Center site fact sheet click here. To view World Trade Center site construction progress click here.

Port Authority to Redevelop Bus Terminal

The Port Authority will redevelop its world-famous bus terminal in midtown Manhattan to better meet the region's long-term, growing mass transit needs. The Port Authority's Board of Commissioners announced a sweeping strategy that calls for the agency to resume negotiations for air rights development above the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which could add 1.3 million square feet of office space above the facility's north wing. The agency may also consider a new bus parking garage and long-term future relocation of the bus terminal. Read more...

News Briefs

Port Authority Police Academy Graduates 81 Officers

2006 Port Authority Annual Report Now Available Online

Public Meetings

The next Port Authority Board meeting will be held on June 21, 2007. To view minutes of previous board meetings, board actions and related information click here.

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