In a speech to NY's General Contractors Association and an interview with reporters and editors for the NY Times, NYC mayoral candidate Mark Green detailed his plans to remake New York City's relations with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Green says he has been critical of the Port Authority, but would not wage political war against the agency as Mayor Giuliani has done. Rather, he would use what leverage the city has with the agency, like the leases for LaGuardia and JFK airports, to strike a new deal that will result in greater funding for projects the city and region need. 

Institutionally, Green would like this approach to pay off with at least two of New York's Port Authority commissioners being appointed on the recommendation of NYC's mayor.

Substantively, Green wants to see significant contributions from the Port Authority to a harbor rail freight tunnel, the 2nd Avenue subway and infrastructure for development of Manhattan's far west side. Green would also use increased city revenue from the Port Authority, like fairer airport leases, to increase the city's contributions to such projects. 

"By 2010, the same partnership that completed the Holland Tunnel 75 years ago can be well on its way to building a Second Avenue subway and a cross harbor rail tunnel," Green said to the General Contractors Association. 

Pataki Says Trade Center Funds May Support Transit Construction - July 30, 2001

Groups: Port Should Support MTA Rebuilding - March 8, 1996

Giuliani Releases Plan to Eliminate Port Authority - March 31, 1996

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