N.Y.-N.J. port authority to cut 200 jobs

N.Y.-N.J. port authority to cut 200 jobs    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey last week released a preliminary $7.2 billion budget for 2011 that calls for a third consecutive year of zero growth in operating expenses and reduces headcount by 200 positions to 6,777 jobs — the lowest level in 40 years.
   The budget provides $2.5 billion in operating expenses, $3.9 billion in capital expenses, $701 million for debt service and $47 million for other expenses
   The port authority said activity at its facilities have declined because of the economic recession, including reduced passenger volume at airports and on its commuter train, lowered container volumes, and fewer crossings on bridges and tunnels.
   “Despite modest gains in 2010, activity levels remain significantly lower than projections made in January 2008 when the original capital plan was developed,” the port authority said.
   The budget commits $25 million for the clean air program at port facilities, $81 million for redevelopment of the Port Jersey-Port Authority Marine Terminal in Jersey City and Bayonne, $70 million for the port’s channel-deepening program, and $31 million for advancement of a flight delay reduction program at JFK International Airport, and $16 million for planning efforts to modernize the Bayonne and Goethals Bridge.
   The agency is expected to announce by the end of the year plans to modify or replace the Bayonne Bridge so larger ships can call at marine terminals in Newark, Elizabeth and Staten Island. ' Chris Dupin