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. Board members have been hung up on the items pending resolution of a 17-month dispute between Pataki and New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman over allocation of Port Authority revenues.