Research

Biographical Sketch

The Port of New York Authority was established in 1921 (Chapter 154) by means of a compact between the states of New York and New Jersey to provide and maintain transportation, terminal, and other facilities within the Port of New York district. A 1927 law (Chapter 700) stipulated that no action taken at any Port Authority meeting by any commissioner appointed from New York State could take effect until the governor had the opportunity to approve or veto such action. The authority was required to send copies of minutes of meetings to the governor for review of all such actions. The authority was renamed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey by legislation of 1972 (Chapter 154).

A law of 1962 (Chapter 210) amending the Public Authorities Law established the New York State Atomic and Space Development Authority to encourage the maximum development and use of atomic energy for peaceful and productive purposes within the state. New section 1853 of the Public Authorities Law gave the governor approval or veto power over all actions taken at meetings of the authority, which was required to send the governor minutes of meetings for review. In 1975 (Chapter 864) the authority was restructured and renamed the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, with its primary purpose being the development of new energy technologies and the promotion of energy conservation.

The Power Authority of the State of New York was created in 1931 (Chapter 772) to develop hydroelectric power along the St. Lawrence River. In 1951 the Power Authority was authorized to develop additional power resources of the Niagara River and to preserve and enhance the scenic beauty of Niagara Falls. The Federal Power Commission licensed the Power Authority to construct, maintain, and operate the St. Lawrence River Power Project in 1953 and the Niagara Power Project in 1958.