Advocates Praise Port Authority Director Chris Ward

Responding to rumors that Chris Ward may be removed from his position as Executive Director of the Port Authority, local advocates voiced their approval of Mr. Ward and expressed dismay at his possible dismissal. The New York League of Conservation Voters and Transportation Alternatives issued statements in support of the Port Authority leader.

Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, "Under Chris Ward's leadership, the Port Authority has set a high bar for environmental sustainability. That includes committing to reducing the Port Authority's carbon footprint 80 percent by 2050, developing a wind farm on its property and leading the way for better solid waste management through the purchase of energy certificates. The Port Authority needs talented, forward-thinking leaders like Chris Ward."

"Chris Ward is an innovative and effective public servant and his accomplishments have made him a great friend to the people of New York," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "From his work improving the Port Authority crossings and the commuter bus service that so many New Yorkers depend upon every day, to his commitment to sustainability, Mr. Ward is making this city a more equitable and more livable place for everyone. His benchmark for best practices has always been the impact of policy on people's daily lives and he's shown the leadership necessary to navigate a challenging political landscape and deliver results."

Before his appointment to Port Authority, Ward took control of the floundering effort to rebuild the World Trade Center and put the project back on track; streamlining the budget and resisting pressure to cave to the developer's demands.

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