New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is going to remove Christopher Ward as executive director of the Port Authority shortly after the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, The Post reported last week. According to sources, Cuomo and Ward do not have a very strong relationship, and in fact, the Empire State’s new governor, who has likely planned to replace Ward from the state, won’t take the Port Authority head’s phone calls.
Transportation advocates are not happy with this development. The Tri-State Transportation Campaign called Ward an “innovative leader who has started new green freight programs and projects, implemented a bicycle policy, and spoken in favor of increased infrastructure investment.” They fear that Cuomo will appoint a new head who is more willing to dole out ARC dollars for road projects. Streetsblog offered up a full overview and defense of Ward’s time as leader of the Port Authority.
For his part, Ward issued a terse defense. “I have dedicated my life to turning around the World Trade Center and running this place the best I can,” he said. “My record speaks for itself, and I am not going to speculate on the political aspects of the job.” Losing Ward could be a major blow to transit policy, but it appears, sadly, to be a fait accompli.
4 comments
The PA isnt, and doesn’t want to be a public transit provider. Its the NYSTA, not another MTA. It owning PATH is quirk of history. The PA’s business model is no NY ports, and everything is trucked from it’s NJ ports to NY state/NYC over PA owned crossings. PA’s bus terminals support tolls over PA bridges. PA also has a smaller real estate developer business model (its airports, WTC site).
There are 2 container ports on the NY side, along with several bulk, break bulk and petroleum facilities.
I really hope Cuomo changes his mind…
That said I’m glad I voted for Paladino, because I knew Cuomo was going to be disappointing.
In all honesty I miss Patterson.
[…] Andrew Cuomo is going to keep Christopher Ward in charge of the Port Authority after all. Despite a report yesterday of a chilly relationship between the new New York executive and the well-regarded head of the Port […]