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Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

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Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Company typeInterstate compact agency
IndustryTransportation infrastructure
Founded1921
FounderStates of New York and New Jersey
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
Area served
Port of New York and New Jersey region
ProductsBridges, tunnels, airports, seaport facilities, PATH transit system, Port Authority Bus Terminal
OwnerStates of New York and New Jersey
Number of employees
2100 (police force only)

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ; branded since 2020 as Port Authority NY NJ) is a collaborative entity formed by the states of New York and New Jersey in 1921 through an interstate compact sanctioned by the U.S. Congress. This agency oversees critical transportation infrastructure across the region, including bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaport facilities within the Port of New York and New Jersey area, spanning roughly within a radius from the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Its central offices are located at 4 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.

The Port Authority administers the Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal, recognized as one of the largest American ports by cargo volume and the foremost on the East Coast. It manages six crossings shared between the two states—three connecting New Jersey to Manhattan and three to Staten Island—as well as the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the PATH transit system. Additionally, it operates several major airports: LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Teterboro Airport, and Stewart International Airport. The organization also maintains a specialized police force consisting of 2,100 officers.

History

During World War I, the Port of New York and New Jersey served as the chief departure point for American military personnel and materials destined for Europe, underscoring the necessity for unified management of the complex transportation networks in the New York-New Jersey region. This need prompted the establishment of the Port Authority in 1921, overseen by governors from both states. Financially autonomous through bond issuance, it financed infrastructure projects using toll revenues and fees rather than relying on taxation, emerging as a pivotal metropolitan agency for large-scale development. Initially, bond issues were tied to specific projects; however, in 1935, it began issuing General and Refunding bonds supported by overall revenue streams.

Previous disputes

In the early 1900s, conflicts between New Jersey and New York centered on rail freight operations and harbor jurisdiction. Railroads terminated in New Jersey while maritime shipping was concentrated in Manhattan and Brooklyn, necessitating freight transfers across the Hudson River. In 1916, New Jersey initiated legal action against New York over these rail freight challenges; subsequently, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) mandated cooperative arrangements prioritizing public benefit. The 1917 Harbor Development Commission recommended establishing a bi-state authority to manage economic growth within the port region.

Formally created on April 30, 1921, through an interstate compact—the first such body under U.S. constitutional provisions—the Port of New York Authority was intended to minimize political interference and enable consistent long-term infrastructure planning beyond electoral cycles. In 1972, it adopted its current name, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to emphasize its joint governance.

Although it has achieved significant accomplishments, questions regarding its democratic oversight have remained. The Port District encompasses roughly within a radius from the Statue of Liberty.

Interstate Crossings

At the dawn of the 20th century, no bridges or tunnels facilitated direct road travel between New York and New Jersey. The earliest tunnel connections were constructed privately by the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad during 1908–09, known as the "Hudson Tubes," followed by the Pennsylvania Railroad's completion of the "North River Tunnels" in 1910. The independently developed Holland Tunnel, which opened in 1927, predates the establishment of the Port Authority.

The surge in automobile usage created a pressing need for additional crossings over the Hudson River. Utilizing its authority to issue bonds and collect tolls, the Port Authority spearheaded significant infrastructure initiatives. Among the initial bridges were those spanning the Arthur Kill, which separates Staten Island from New Jersey. The Goethals Bridge, honoring Panama Canal engineer General George Washington Goethals, linked Elizabeth, New Jersey with Howland Hook, Staten Island. Opened alongside the Goethals Bridge in 1928, the Outerbridge Crossing—named after Port Authority’s inaugural chairman Eugenius Harvey Outerbridge—provided another vital connection. The Bayonne Bridge, which connected Staten Island with Bayonne, New Jersey, was inaugurated in 1931.

Construction on the George Washington Bridge commenced in 1927 under the leadership of Port Authority chief engineer Othmar Ammann, establishing a link between northern Manhattan and Fort Lee, New Jersey. Finished ahead of schedule and under budget by October 1931, its efficient completion garnered praise from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and influenced the formation of similar agencies such as the Tennessee Valley Authority.

In 1930, control of the Holland Tunnel was transferred to the Port Authority, providing a substantial source of toll revenue. The agency also oversaw the Lincoln Tunnel, which initially opened in 1937 with a single tube; additional tubes were added in 1945 and 1957 to increase capacity between New Jersey and Midtown Manhattan.

The Port Authority acquired the insolvent Hudson & Manhattan Railroad in 1962, reorganizing it as the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH). This acquisition included development rights for the original World Trade Center, situated on Manhattan’s former Hudson Terminal site.

Airport Expansion

In 1942, Austin J. Tobin assumed the role of executive director at the Port Authority, overseeing its post-World War II expansion into airports and marine terminals, notably including Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal. By 1939, La Guardia Field was reaching capacity and required expensive modernization. Airports operated at a loss during this period, with municipal authorities struggling to finance their upkeep or expansion. Following negotiations, a 50-year lease beginning May 31, 1947, transferred management of La Guardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport (then known as Idlewild), and Floyd Bennett Field to the Port Authority. The agency enhanced these airports by introducing commercial amenities such as retail stores and dining establishments, turning them into profitable ventures.

World Trade Center

David Rockefeller, then president of Chase Manhattan Bank, envisioned a World Trade Center complex in lower Manhattan and sought public funding through Tobin. Although there was initial hesitation about entering real estate development, Tobin supported the project to elevate the agency's prominence. The Port Authority took charge of overseeing construction and appointed architect Minoru Yamasaki alongside engineer Leslie Robertson.

Yamasaki’s design featured twin towers each rising 110 stories to fulfill office space requirements. The project encountered opposition from rivals such as owners of the Empire State Building and concerns regarding subsidized office space competing with private enterprises. By 1966, projected costs reached $575 million. After tax negotiations, the Port Authority agreed to annual payments in lieu of taxes on 40% of privately leased space; state and federal agencies occupied most of the remainder. The United States Customs Service committed as a tenant in 1962, followed by New York State offices in 1964.

Construction began on the north tower in August 1968 and on the south tower in January 1969. Upon completion, total expenses amounted to $900 million. The towers were officially dedicated on April 4, 1973, shortly after Tobin retired.

In 1986, rights to use the World Trade Center name were sold for $10 to an entity led by former executive Guy F. Tozzoli, who profited through licensing agreements across multiple states.

Following the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, investigations found that the Port Authority had been negligent by failing to address known security vulnerabilities that might have prevented the attack.

September 11 attacks

The terrorist strikes on September 11, 2001, and the ensuing destruction of the World Trade Center had a profound effect on the Port Authority, whose main offices were located in 1 World Trade Center. Roughly 1,400 employees of the Port Authority were based there; among them, 84 individuals lost their lives, including 37 police officers, Executive Director Neil D. Levin, and Police Superintendent Fred V. Morrone. Two officers from the Port Authority police force, John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno, survived after being trapped beneath the debris for nearly a full day. Their experience was later portrayed in Oliver Stone’s 2006 film World Trade Center.

Christopher O. Ward, who was Chief of External Affairs & Director of Port Development at the time, also survived the attacks. During his tenure as executive director from 2008 to 2011, Ward played a significant role in progressing the reconstruction efforts at Ground Zero and organizing the memorial for the tenth anniversary of the attacks. Additionally, Angel Kelley, a former Port Authority attorney involved with 9/11-related matters, was subsequently appointed to a federal judgeship.

Fort Lee lane closure scandal

The Fort Lee lane closure scandal centered on members of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s staff and Port Authority appointees who orchestrated a deliberate traffic jam in Fort Lee, New Jersey as an act of political retribution, followed by attempts to conceal and obstruct information about the incident. Between September 9 and September 13, 2013, toll lanes leading into Fort Lee on the George Washington Bridge were reduced from three lanes to just one, creating significant gridlock. This caused delays in emergency response times and disrupted local educational institutions.

Two Port Authority officials appointed by Christie resigned amid controversy but asserted that the lane closures were justified by a traffic safety study; however, the executive director of the Port Authority denied any knowledge of such a study.

By early 2014, inquiries conducted by the Port Authority itself, federal prosecutors, and a New Jersey legislative panel were underway. David Samson, chairman of the Port Authority and a Christie appointee, stepped down on March 28, 2014, amid accusations linking him to this scandal as well as other contentious issues.

Caren Turner controversy

In April 2018, Caren Turner stepped down from her role on the Board of Commissioners following an ethics probe into her behavior during a traffic stop involving her daughter. The Port Authority labeled her conduct as "deeply troubling" after police released footage showing Turner attempting to leverage her position to intimidate officers. Her conduct involved using profanity and disparaging the police while displaying her Port Authority badge. The matter was subsequently forwarded to New Jersey's Ethics Commission.

Exchange of ownership for Brooklyn Marine and Howland Hook terminals

In May 2024, the Authority completed a transfer of ownership for the Brooklyn Port Authority Marine Terminal and Red Hook Container Terminal to New York City, receiving in return full control of the Howland Hook Marine Terminal located on Staten Island. This transaction is designed to enhance cargo handling capabilities and promote economic development on Staten Island, accompanied by substantial investments aimed at modernizing Brooklyn’s waterfront and supporting future terminal expansion.

Governance

The Port Authority is governed jointly by the governors of New York and New Jersey, each appointing six members to the Board of Commissioners. These commissioners, confirmed by their respective state senates, serve staggered six-year terms without compensation and may have their decisions vetoed by the governor who appointed them. An executive director, selected by the board, oversees daily management and policy implementation. Informally, New Jersey’s governor appoints the board chairman and deputy executive director, whereas New York’s governor designates the vice chairman and executive director.

The agency’s headquarters are located at 4 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. Previously, it was based at 1 World Trade Center from 1973 until its destruction in 2001. Following that event, operations moved to 225 Park Avenue South in Midtown Manhattan with personnel divided between offices in New York and New Jersey before returning to the World Trade Center site in 2015.

Financially self-sufficient, the Port Authority does not impose taxes nor does it receive funding from state or local tax revenues. Its financial operations rely on income generated through rents, toll collections, fees, and facility usage charges.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners holds public meetings where registered citizens can address the board. Requests for public documents are handled by the Office of the Secretary under a Freedom of Information policy consistent with regulations in both New York and New Jersey.

Board members are generally prominent business executives or political figures with close ties to their appointing governors. On February 3, 2011, former New Jersey Attorney General David Samson was named chairman by Governor Chris Christie. Samson resigned in March 2016 amid inquiries related to the Bridgegate scandal. Among notable past members is Basil Paterson, father of former Governor David Paterson, who served two terms from 1989 to 1995 and again from 2013 to 2014.

The current commissioners include:

Name State First appointed Appointed by
Jeffrey H. Lynford (Vice Chairman) NY June 2011 Andrew Cuomo
Gary LaBarbera NY June 30, 2017 Andrew Cuomo
Rossana Rosado NY July 2, 2017 Andrew Cuomo
Winston Fisher NY June 10, 2023 Kathy Hochul
Leecia Eve NY July 12, 2017 Andrew Cuomo
Elizabeth Fine NY June 6, 2024 Kathy Hochul
Kevin J. O'Toole (chairman) NJ July 2, 2017 Chris Christie
Kevin P. McCabe NJ December 19, 2017 Chris Christie
Michelle Richardson NJ June 8, 2021 Phil Murphy
J. Christian Bollwage NJ February 27, 2023 Phil Murphy
George Helmy NJ February 27, 2023 Phil Murphy
Joseph Kelley NJ February 27, 2023 Phil Murphy


Executive Directors

Name Term Appointed by
Port of New York Authority
John E. Ramsey 1926–1930 (Chief Executive Officer)
1930–1942 (General Manager) 		Al Smith
Austin J. Tobin 1942–1946 (General Manager)
1946–1972 		Charles Poletti
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Matthias Lukens 1972–1973 (acting) Nelson Rockefeller
A. Gerdes Kuhbach 1973 – August 1974 (acting)
August 1974 – 1977 		Malcolm Wilson
Peter C. Goldmark, Jr. 1977–1985 Hugh Carey
Patrick J. Falvey 1985 (acting) Mario Cuomo
Stephen Berger 1986–1990
Stanley Brezenoff 1990–1995
George Marlin 1995–1997 George Pataki
Robert E. Boyle 1997–2001
Neil D. Levin March 2001 – September 11, 2001
Ronald H. Shiftan September 11, 2001 – December 31, 2001
Joseph J. Seymour January 1, 2002 – October 2004
Kenneth J. Ringler, Jr. October 2004 – December 31, 2006
Anthony Shorris January 1, 2007 – April 24, 2008 Eliot Spitzer
Christopher O. Ward May 1, 2008 – November 1, 2011 David Paterson
Patrick J. Foye November 1, 2011 – August 13, 2017 Andrew Cuomo
Rick Cotton August 14, 2017 – present


Chairs

On July 14, 2016, David Samson admitted guilt to a felony charge involving a conspiracy to obstruct an airport development project aimed at pressuring United Airlines to resume a discontinued flight near his residence in South Carolina. His appointment was made by Chris Christie.


Facilities

The Port Authority oversees vital infrastructure that underpins the trade and transportation framework of the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area—this includes five regional airports, the seaport network, the PATH rapid transit system, six vehicular tunnels and bridges linking New York and New Jersey, the Port Authority Bus Terminal and George Washington Bridge Bus Station located in Manhattan, as well as The World Trade Center complex.

Seaports

The Port of New York and New Jersey stands as the largest port facility along the U.S. East Coast. In the year 2021, it ranked fourth nationally concerning total tonnage handled by Port Authority-operated seaports. By August of 2022, it led all U.S. ports in container throughput when excluding bulk commodities such as petroleum and grain.

Key terminals managed by the Port Authority include:

The Port Authority also administers the ExpressRail network which offers dockside rail tracks and railyards designed for efficient cargo transfer operations. This system interfaces with principal rail carriers including Conrail Shared Assets Operations (CRCX), Norfolk Southern (NS), CSX Transportation (CSX), and Canadian Pacific (CP). Between January and October of 2014 alone, ExpressRail facilitated a total of 391,596 rail lifts. Three ExpressRail terminals—Elizabeth, Newark, and Staten Island—were operational in that year with a fourth facility under construction at Port Jersey.

Since acquiring New York New Jersey Rail, LLC (NYNJ) in the year 1962, the Port Authority has operated this terminal and switching railroad company which conducts a car float service across Upper New York Bay connecting Greenville Yard in Jersey City with Brooklyn.

Airports

The Port Authority is responsible for managing several prominent airports:

Ownership of JFK and LaGuardia airports lies with the City of New York, which leases operational control to the Port Authority. Newark Liberty is owned by the cities of Elizabeth and Newark and is similarly leased to the Authority. Stewart International Airport, under New York State ownership, was leased to the Port Authority in 2007. Since 2013, the Authority has shared management responsibilities for Atlantic City International Airport with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, which holds the lease from the FAA.

Collectively, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty comprise the largest airport network in the United States. This system ranks second worldwide in terms of passenger volume and leads globally in total flight operations. JFK itself stands as the 19th busiest airport internationally and sixth busiest across the U.S.

Heliports

Until August 2007, the Port Authority managed the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, continuing its oversight until a new leaseholder assumed control. The Authority previously operated several other heliports in Manhattan but has since surrendered all such leases.

Bridges and tunnels

All crossings connecting New York City and New Jersey fall under the Port Authority’s jurisdiction. This includes critical structures such as the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel, which link Manhattan to northern parts of New Jersey. Additionally, it administers the Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge, and Outerbridge Crossing, which connect Staten Island with New Jersey. The Authority is also responsible for maintaining significant approach routes like GWB Plaza and the Lincoln Tunnel Helix.

Bus and rail transit

The Port Authority operates the PATH rapid transit line that connects lower and midtown Manhattan with New Jersey. It also manages the AirTrain Newark, providing a link between Newark International Airport and regional rail services including NJ Transit and Amtrak via a station on the Northeast Corridor. Similarly, the AirTrain JFK connects JFK Airport to both the Howard Beach subway station and Jamaica’s subway and Long Island Rail Road stations.

Major bus terminals under its operation include the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd Street, the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, and Jersey City’s Journal Square Transportation Center.

The Port Authority holds a significant role in the development of the Gateway Program, aimed at modernizing the Northeast Corridor. This initiative involves constructing two additional tunnels beneath the Hudson River alongside existing ones to increase rail capacity in the region.

At its airports, the Authority runs shuttle bus services utilizing fleets acquired between 2007 and 2009: 23 Orion buses at Newark, seven at LaGuardia, and 40 at JFK.

Real estate

The Port Authority participates in collaborative development initiatives throughout the region, such as the Teleport business park on Staten Island, Bathgate Industrial Park in the Bronx, Elizabeth Industrial Park, Newark Legal Center, Queens West in Long Island City, and Hoboken’s South Waterfront. By 2015, however, the Authority contemplated selling these assets to concentrate on its primary transportation infrastructure responsibilities and to generate capital.

It continues to hold ownership of the 16-acre World Trade Center site, encompassing both the original and current complexes. Portions of office space within this area have been leased or developed by Silverstein Properties, including notable buildings like 3 World Trade Center (completed in 2018) and 7 World Trade Center (constructed in 1987 and expanded in 2006).

World Trade Center

Key undertakings led by the Port Authority include One World Trade Center and other developments at the World Trade Center complex. Additional initiatives involve constructing a new passenger terminal at JFK International Airport, renovating Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport, and replacing the Goethals Bridge. The Authority also plans to acquire 340 new PATH rail cars and to expand Stewart International Airport.

As proprietor of the World Trade Center complex, the Port Authority has spearheaded reconstruction since 2001 in partnership with Silverstein Properties and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. In 2006, it secured ownership of One World Trade Center through an agreement with Larry Silverstein, who retained development rights for three towers on the eastern portion of the site: 150 Greenwich Street, 175 Greenwich Street, and 200 Greenwich Street. The World Trade Center Transportation Hub—replacing the temporary PATH station—was inaugurated in March 2016.

Airports

In June 2017, construction commenced on a replacement terminal for Newark Airport’s Terminal A, with an anticipated opening in 2022. There are plans to extend the PATH train route from Newark Penn Station to a newly constructed Newark Liberty International Airport Station; however, funding for this extension was postponed as of March 2023.

At LaGuardia Airport, the Port Authority is undertaking a redevelopment project that consolidates three terminals into a single unified terminal complex. Terminal B is slated for demolition, while Terminals C and D will be merged. This project also encompasses roughly two miles of additional taxiways and restructured terminal transportation systems, with an estimated budget of $7.6 billion. Construction began in 2016; the first section of the new terminal opened in 2021, with full completion targeted for 2026. A proposed AirTrain people mover connecting LaGuardia to Willets Point was canceled in March 2023 following delays.

John F. Kennedy International Airport is also undergoing transformation through an $11 billion initiative to replace four existing terminals with two new ones, enhance roadway access, and expand AirTrain JFK capacity. The initial gates are projected to open in 2023, with overall completion expected by 2025. Groundbreaking ceremonies for Terminal 1 took place in 2022, while construction on Terminal 6 began in early 2023. Furthermore, Terminal 4 has been expanded as part of ongoing improvements.

Law enforcement

The Port Authority operates its own dedicated police force, which in 2001 comprised approximately 4,000 officers and supervisors vested with comprehensive policing powers across both New York and New Jersey jurisdictions.

See also

Further reading

  • Ballon, Hilary, Robert Moses and the Modern City: The Transformation of New York (Norton, 2007)
  • Betts, Mary Beth. The New York waterfront: evolution and building culture of the port and harbor (Monacelli Press, 1997)
  • Doig, Jameson W. Empire on the Hudson: Entrepreneurial vision and political power at the Port of New York Authority (Columbia University Press, 2013)
  • Doig, Jameson W. "Regional conflict in the New York metropolis: the legend of Robert Moses and the power of the Port Authority." Urban Studies 27.2 (1990): 201–232.
  • Doig, Jameson W. "Expertise, Politics, and Technological Change: The Search for Mission at the Port of New York Authority." Journal of the American Planning Association 59.1 (1993): 31–44.
  • Jackson, Kenneth T. and Hillary Ballon, eds. Robert Moses and the Modern City: The Transformation of New York (W. W. Norton, 2007)
  • Plotch, Philip M. and Jen Nelles, Mobilizing the Metropolis: How the Port Authority Built New York (University of Michigan Press, 2023)
  • The Special Panel on the Future of the Port Authority for The Governors of New York and New Jersey, Keeping the region moving (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 2014)

External links

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