Governor George E. Pataki, New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine, and Mayor Bloomberg today announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation have reached agreement that the Port Authority will construct the Memorial. Construction on the footing and foundations is expected to commence this summer and the project remains on schedule to open September 11, 2009.

“The Port Authority assuming the construction of the memorial will create efficiencies and expedite the building of a fitting memorial to all of our lost heroes," Governor Pataki said. "On September 11th, the Port Authority of NY and NJ lost 84 employees at the World Trade Center site. The Port Authority will now pay tribute to their heroes and the nearly 3,000 others that made the ultimate sacrifice those fateful days by building the memorial that will honor their lives and tell their stories to the world. The Port Authority made the World Trade Center their home for 30 years. They built the temporary PATH station in just sixteen short months, they are realizing Santiago Calatrava’s brilliant vision, and now they will take on this noble task and ensure that nothing stands in the way of the memorial’s opening by September 11, 2009, as they build the memorial and memorial museum.”

“Governor Jon S. Corzine said, “We asked the Port Authority to undertake construction of the Memorial and I am pleased that the Board has agreed to do so. The Memorial will honor the thousands lost on September 11 and will be a symbol of remembrance for the region, the nation and the world. This step gives me added confidence that the Memorial and Memorial Museum will be completed in a timely and disciplined manner. The Port Authority has my complete confidence as they embark on this essential undertaking.”

“Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, “Today's commitment by the Port Authority to construct the memorial and memorial museum makes sense, and will result in a number of benefits and efficiencies. We are deeply grateful to Governors Pataki and Corzine, and the leadership of the Port Authority including Chairman Coscia and Vice-Chairman Gargano, for bringing this matter to a successful resolution. While we have a responsibility to the public to be mindful moving forward that resources are limited, this agreement allows us to stay on track to meet our deadline for completion in 2009 of a memorial that will honor the memories of those we lost.”

“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the WTC Memorial Foundation both held meetings of their Boards of Directors today to approve the agreement. The Port Authority will assume the construction of the memorial and are expected to commence footing and foundations work this summer. Preliminary work on the memorial began March 13, 2006. The WTC Memorial Foundation will ensure the completion and integrity of the design throughout the course of construction and will be responsible for operating and programming the site.

“Anthony R. Coscia, Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said, “The Port Authority is committed to the construction of an appropriate Memorial that honors our lost heroes. We are honored to take on the construction of the World Trade Center Memorial after we were asked to do so by the Governors, the City of New York, the LMDC and the Memorial Foundation.”

“Charles A. Gargano, Vice-Chairman of the Port Authority said, “The successful construction of a Memorial and Memorial Museum is a critical component of a rebuilt World Trade Center site. We are pleased to assume responsibility for the Memorial construction while also contributing to the construction of a fitting memorial that we as a nation can all be proud.”

“World Trade Center Memorial Foundation Chairman John C. Whitehead said, “This agreement will help make sure that the Memorial, the Memorial Museum and the Visitor Orientation and Education Center at the World Trade Center site are built efficiently and in coordination with other projects on this site. The Foundation looks forward to working with the Port Authority to see this project through and to fundraise for the remaining private dollars needed to support the construction. We will be working to complete the design documents and monitor construction, while also planning programming and operations for the site.”

“The Memorial, Reflecting Absence, will pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon, as well as those who perished in the World Trade Center on February 26, 1993