George Pataki News

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.…

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.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that its market share edged slightly higher last year, chalking up a 1.2 percent gain when compared with other eastern U.S. ports, outpacing its fiercest competitor Halifax, whose share rose only eight-tenths of a percentage point. Some $82 billion of goods flowed through the New York Harbor terminals in 2000, an increase of 13 percent over the previous year, according to a statement by New York Gov. George Pataki. Acting New Jersey Gov. Donald DiFrancesco estimated the port supported more than 166,000 jobs and contributed $20 billion to the regional economy. The governors of New York and New Jersey…

Governor Schwarzenegger joins Admiral Kevin J. Eldridge, USCG, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District and Matt Bettenhausen, Director, Office of Homeland Security, State of California, onboard a UTB-41 Coast Guard boat to observe coast guard port security drills. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a $5 million grant to improve port security at 11 of California's ports during a visit to the San Diego Coast Guard Joint Operations Center. "In California, we have many threat targets, including large urban areas, mass transit, railways, and international icons like the Golden Gate Bridge," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. California's ports bring in 43 percent of the nation's cargo containers.

The amphibious transport dock ship Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) under construction in Northrop Grumman Ship the shipyard. It is the fifth ship to be built in the San Antonio-class of amphibious ships. The bow stem is made of steel from the World Trade Centers and weighs 7.5 metric tons. New York is scheduled to be commissioned in the fall of 2008. U.S. As the ship nears 50 percent completion, the most unique characteristic of the LPD 21 New York's construction process is that the bow stem was formed using steel from the World Trade Center (WTC). In August 2005 NGSS finished construction of the bow stem. Hoisting and welding the 7.5-metric ton bow stem to the ship was completed in August 2006. “It’s a tremendous feeling,” said Capt.

At a ceremony held Saturday, September 7, at 9:30 a.m. Transport Dock ships, "New York," to honor the state, the city and the victims of September 11. The Secretary was joined by New York Gov. state of New York. In doing so Secretary England noted that longstanding relationship between the U.S. Navy and people of New York. "USS New York will project American power to the far corners of the earth and support the cause of freedom well into the 21st century," England said. heroism of the people of New York have been an inspiration. and promoting peace, security and stability around the world. and our nation. Empire State," England said. Bloomberg thanked the U.S. naming this ship. Four previous ships have been named New York. the defeat at the Battle of Valcour Island on Oct. 11, 1776.

NYS Department of Transportation Commissioner John Boardman, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Executive Director Joe Seymour and Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings joined the Governor at the Port today. The funding enables the Port of Albany to be a full partner in the Inland Distribution Network, a system of satellite facilities for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings gave great praise to the governor for his help on this project, and also highlighted the dedication of local people involved with the Port that helped Albany become a key inland site for the distribution network. “Thanks to the Governor’s recognition of the great potential which lies within the wharves and warehouses of the Port…

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that its market share edged slightly higher last year, chalking up a 1.2 percent gain when compared with other eastern U.S. ports, outpacing its fiercest competitor Halifax, whose share rose only eight-tenths of a percentage point. Some $82 billion of goods flowed through the New York Harbor terminals in 2000, an increase of 13 percent over the previous year, according to a statement by New York Gov. George Pataki. Acting New Jersey Gov. Donald DiFrancesco estimated the port supported more than 166,000 jobs and contributed $20 billion to the regional economy. The governors of New York and New Jersey…

The chairman of Maersk, the largest shipper at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has reportedly lost patience with a feud between the two states that has put his lease on hold for a year. Tommy Thomsen, said the firm, which handles up to 25 percent of the port's cargo, might rethink its options if the Port Authority fails to quickly approve his lease. Maersk last year selected New York Harbor as its hub port over competing offers from ports such as Baltimore and Halifax, Nova Scotia. New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman urged New York Gov. George Pataki to let the Port Authority, which the two governors jointly control, approve the Maersk lease. A Pataki spokesman said the governor was considering Whitman's request for a face-to-face meeting.

Board members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are reportedly scheduled to vote on a $3.9 billion budget. The agenda includes reelection of top officers and discussion of a lucrative port deal, signaling that a dispute between the governors of New York and New Jersey is moving toward a resolution. The budget reportedly calls for no hikes in PATH fares and tolls at Port Authority bridges and tunnels for a ninth year. The commissioners also are expected to discuss a possible lease for the Port Newark terminal that Maersk Line vacated after it acquired Sea-Land Service and moved into its 350-acre terminal in Port Elizabeth. A top contender for taking over the 154-acre property are subsidiaries of London-based Peninsular & Oriental Navigation Co.

It may be the end of April, but there was no spring thaw at Thursday's board meeting of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Port Authority commissioners had been expected to vote on a $3.9 billion capital and operating budget, which would have signaled some movement on an impasse that has held up major projects for the agency. However, Chairman Lewis M. Eisenberg said the budget had been discussed among board members, but a decision was made not to take a vote. No reason was given for the inaction. Board members have been paralyzed on the major items pending resolution of a 16-month dispute between New York Gov. George Pataki and New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman over Port Authority revenues.