PANYNJ OKs $59 million for Hurricane Sandy recovery, future storm preparation

Yesterday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's (PANYNJ) board approved $59 million for enhanced storm mitigation and recovery measures as part of ongoing recovery from last year's Hurricane Sandy, as well as preparation for this year's hurricane season.

The vote continues the agency's "aggressive efforts to rebuild" its facilities and install additional storm preparedness measures, with critical investments going toward safeguards for the World Trade Center construction site, PATH rail system and other PANYNJ facilities, agency officials said in a press release.

About $21 million will fund the installation of pumps, watertight doors, flood barriers and other crucial equipment to protect PATH's system from future flooding. The agency will implement the new measures over the next six months, PANYNJ officials said.

The additional funding builds on the board's $210 million authorization in February to cover Sandy recovery and cleanup costs. Also, $181 million in additional World Trade Center recovery authorizations have been made. The total authorization in Sandy-related actions across the agency stands at $450 million.

The storm, which ravaged the East Coast in October 2012, caused $2 billion in damage to PANYNJ facilities.

"Superstorm Sandy devastated this region and resulted in unprecedented damage to key port authority assets, including the PATH rail system," said Vice Chairman Scott Rechler. "Investing wisely day will enable us to better protect our facilities from the impact of future storms, keep our millions of customers moving, and help maintain the region's economic vitality."