(The following story by Judy Rife appeared on the Times Herald-Record website on December 18.)
NEW YORK — The Port Authority will spend a record $3.3 billion next year on its airports, tunnels, bridges, ports and transit systems in an effort to bolster the region’s economy.
The capital investments are part of the $6.7 billion budget that the bi-state agency’s commissioners adopted Wednesday for the coming year. The budget holds operating expenses steady and maintains existing schedules for tolls, fares and fees.
The plan allocates $404 million toward Access to the Region’s Core through 2009. The $7.6 billion joint venture with NJ Transit will double commuter rail capacity to Manhattan via a new Hudson River tunnel and expansion of New York Penn Station and give Orange County commuters a one-seat ride to the city.
The two agencies are poised to begin final design — and solicit bids for a groundbreaking next year — as soon as the Federal Transit Administration signs off on the environmental impact study.
An FTA spokesman said yesterday that the agency is still reviewing public comments on the study but could act before the end of the year.
The budget also supports $29.7 million for improvements at Stewart International Airport that William DeCota, the aviation director, said will include replacing the roof at the terminal, electrifying boarding gates, creating additional parking and fixing roads.
DeCota added that his staff is also drafting a new master plan and a new air service development plan for the Port Authority’s newest airport.