Transportation Roundtable: Patrick Foye

Q: What are the greatest needs facing the Port Authority and how does the agency intend to address them?

PF: We have three major challenges that we face in the next 20 years. Maintaining existing transportation assets—some of which are more than 80 years old—in a state of good repair; serving projected growth in trans-Hudson capacity; and confronting these issues while maintaining the Port Authority’s financial sustainability. Our 10-year capital plan takes the first step to address the deferred maintenance issue by budgeting $27.6 billion to upgrade and expand airports, tunnels, bridges, the seaport and the PATH system. But there are far more projects that need to be done than there is money to pay for them, including our three major airports and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is key to dealing with growth in trans-Hudson commuting. The bus terminal was built in the 1950s to serve bus commuters and buses from a different era. Today, the facility can no longer efficiently handle the level of trans-Hudson bus commuters. We’re currently exploring options of what can be done and how we can pay for it. In that regard, we’re exploring the use of public-private partnerships to help fund critical projects and still operate within our financial capacity.

Q: What is the latest on the Master Plan Design Competitions for JFK and LaGuardia Airports?

PF: Final submissions for the JFK and LaGuardia Airport master plan design competitions were submitted for review to the Airport Advisory Panel last month. In total, we have received six submissions for LaGuardia and four for JFK. The goal of the competitions is to offer a holistic reimagining of both of New York’s major airports and set them up as world-class gateways to the region and the nation for the next 50 years. The Advisory Panel will select finalists based on a host of criteria including the maximization of current airport footprints with possible airside redesign; incorporation of mass transit and other access improvements; the inclusion of state of the art amenities including dining, retail and entertainment experiences; improvements to hotel and meeting spaces; and increased cargo opportunities that support economic growth and job creation.

Q: How is Cuomo’s proposal for an elevated AirTrain link from the No. 7 subway and LIRR station to La Guardia Airport progressing?

PF: Governor Cuomo has offered a clear vision and strong call for the transportation infrastructure that is absolutely essential for the New York region to compete successfully in the global economy. We are working closely with the MTA to establish the scope, schedule, financing plan and management of the La Guardia AirTrain, just as we worked closely to create the successful JFK AirTrain. We will build this project in a cost-effective way that minimizes disruptions to nearby communities as well as airport operations. Both our organizations recognize the importance of these infrastructure projects and appreciate the governor’s focus and leadership on this issue.

Q: How have various investigations into the authority and efforts to reform it impacted its day-to-day operations and ability to fulfill its mandate?

PF: The investigations and the significant reform efforts under way are matters that are being taken very seriously. In fact, reforming the agency has taken center stage with the agency’s Board of Commissioners during the past year. The reforms undertaken so far include making the board meeting process more transparent by posting agendas and resolutions at least three days in advance of a meeting; conducting a roll call on all action item votes; and realigning the board room to give prominence to those who wish to address the board. In addition, the board approved a new Freedom of Information policy that took effect Jan. 1 to make more records accessible to the public and a new code of ethics and whistleblower policy are in the process of being developed and approved. At its February 2015 meeting, the board also endorsed the recommendations of the bi-state Special Panel on the Future of the Port Authority, appointed by Govs. Cuomo and Christie in May 2014, which will result in additional reforms in the coming months. However, the investigations and reform efforts have not caused this agency to lose its focus on the day-to-day operations of the Port Authority, which have not been affected.