New York State Assembly Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis Investigation Files Relating to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey L0138

New York State Assembly Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis Investigation Files Relating to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

The Assembly Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis assisted the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions in investigating waste and extravagance in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Records include Authority helicopter logs, hearing testimony given by Authority personnel, press clippings, Authority expense and travel records, Authority annual reports, and a 1978 State Comptroller audit of Authority procurement procedures in the construction and operation of the World Trade Center.

Creator:

New York (State). Legislature. Assembly. Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis

Title:

State Assembly Office of Legislative Oversight and Analysis investigation files relating to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Quantity:

2 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:

1973-1979

Bulk Dates:

bulk 1977

Series Number:

L0138

Arrangement

Arranged by subject in no apparent order.

Administrative History

The Authority was formed in 1924 and has responsibility for operating transportation and trade facilities in the New York City area including airports, bridges and tunnels, a commuter rail system, bus terminals, shipping terminals, and the World Trade Center. The Committee investigated the Authority's misuse of foreign travel expenses, use of helicopters for personal use, fiscal irregularities in the construction and operation of the World Trade Center, and other questionable uses of public funds. This Committee alleged a widespread pattern of waste throughout the Authority's operation. The investigation helped bring about a wholesale change in the Authority's management in 1977.

Scope and Content Note

Approximately half of these records consist of Authority helicopter logs from 1975 to 1977 that include date of trip, destination, and names of passengers. The majority of the remaining records include hearing testimony given by Authority personnel, clippings, Authority expense and travel records, Authority annual reports (1973 to 1976), and a 1978 State Comptroller audit of Authority procurement procedures in the construction and operation of the World Trade Center.