Congress Approves More than $130M for Port of NY/NJ Projects
Critical channel-deepening and environmental projects at the Port of New York and New Jersey will continue to advance under a funding bill approved this week by Congress. The deeper channels will allow new, larger ships to enter the harbor, maintaining the port’s competitive edge as the leading port on the east coast of North America. The fiscal year 2004 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, which funds U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, includes $110 million for channel-deepening projects in the port. The funding will allow for the continuation of federal channel-deepening projects under construction in the Kill van Kull-Newark Bay, the Arthur Kill and Port Jersey channels.
NY/NJ Close To Resolving Port Budget
New York and New Jersey are close to reaching an agreement that would break a 17-month deadlock over a port lease that has paralyzed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, according to press reports. Neither New York Gov. George Pataki nor New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman had signed off on the deal as of early Wednesday evening, but both sides expressed hope that the feud might be near an end. According to those with knowledge of the discussions, some of the major terms of the tentative agreement include: Pataki's signing of a 30-year lease for Maersk Sealand's cargo hub at Port Newark-Elizabeth in New Jersey; Whitman's agreement to let the Port Authority spend $250 million on New York transportation projects.…
Pataki Input Sought In Port Impasse
New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall has urged Gov. George Pataki to attend the May 25 board meeting of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in order to help break a 17-month impasse. "It's time for Governor Pataki to step forward, exert some leadership, and get the Port Authority moving again," McCall is reported to have said in a prepared remark. The logjam has stalled major projects, including approval of a new lease for Maersk Sealand, privatization of the World Trade Center and the lease of air rights over the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Also placed on hold was a $3.9 billion capital and operating budget, which was expected to be voted on at last month's board meeting.
Van Tol Honored for 30 Years of Service
Arie Van Tol, a veteran Port Authority employee who currently manages the New York Marine Terminals, has been honored for more than 30 years of distinguished service to the bistate agency and the maritime community, Port Commerce Director Richard M. Larrabee announced today. Larrabee presented Van Tol, a Montville, N.J., resident, with the Lillian C. Borrone Award, given to individuals who render unusually effective service to the port community. The award is named for Lillian C. Borrone, a longtime director of the Port Authority’s Port Commerce Department who retired in 2001. “Arie is the consummate maritime industry professional who cares deeply about the Port Authority’s maritime terminal facilities and its tenants,” Mr. Larrabee said.
