When a recent audit of the Port Authority's spending at ground zero turned up $3.8 billion in cost overruns, the Governors of New York and New Jersey went on the offensive. Michael Powell provides some cover for the agency.
While New York and New Jersey's top politicians were quick to criticize the spending of the Port Authority and its former head, Christopher Ward, Powell defends the cost overruns as the inevitable result of political decisions.
Seemingly overlooked in the audit was the unrealistic schedule and cost estimates that Ward identified when taking over the Authority in 2008. Furthermore, "The authority chairman, David Samson, a Christie appointee, also declined to plant a tomahawk in Mr. Ward's forehead. 'The costs were inevitable,' he said, 'once the decision was made in 2008 that we'd be open for the 10th anniversary.'"
According to Powell, "Amid the political bellowing, only one fellow remained steadfast in support of Mr. Ward: Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. He had watched as Mr. Ward transformed ground zero into an elegant memorial site that draws millions of tourists."
FULL STORY: Two Governors’ Sucker Punches at the Port Authority
Mosque Near Ground Zero Supported by Mayor Bloomberg
With the controversial mosque near Ground Zero clearing its last major legal hurdle, Mayor Bloomberg explains why the proposal should never have been opposed.
Port Authority Study Calls For More Equitable TOD in Pittsburgh
A study by the Port Authority of Allegheny County warns against displacement of low-income residents and calls for an increased focus on equity in developments around transit stations.
LaGuardia AirTrain, Pet Project of Ousted Governor, Paused by Successor
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has instructed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to rethink the plan for the $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain, a contentious plan championed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie