The Greenmarket farmers, a fixture at the World Trade Center before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, will return to the site on June 17 under an agreement with the Port Authority, which owns the site, Governor George E. Pataki announced today.

Four farmers will set up tables of fresh homegrown produce on the north side of the entrance to the temporary World Trade Center PATH Terminal. For the remainder of this month, the market will be open on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A decision on whether an additional day will be added will be made next month.

New York Governor George E. Pataki said, “These produce vendors were clearly part of the fabric of the former World Trade Center, providing workers and visitors with friendly, convenient service. Their return is a sign of our commitment to making Lower Manhattan stronger than ever. I welcome them back to their former home and wish them well.”

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, “Restoring the economic vitality of Lower Manhattan is critical, not only for New York but for the entire region. The return of the produce vendors is part of our continuing efforts to provide an outlet for small merchants to thrive, while benefiting workers and tourists who pass through the Trade Center site every day.”

Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, “The return of the Greenmarket is a significant step toward fulfilling our commitment to restore the bustling street activity that existed in the area before 9/11. Through Governor Pataki’s leadership, the revitalization of Lower Manhattan continues to move forward as we reinforce New York’s standing as the world’s preeminent city.”

Port Authority Executive Director Joseph J. Seymour said, “The Greenmarket farmers are part of our short-term initiatives to provide a retail outlet for those who live or work near the World Trade Center site. We are currently working on a program that will ultimately result in 600,000 square feet of various retail establishments at the site within several years.”

LMDC President Kevin M. Rampe said, “We are so pleased to see the Greenmarket return to the World Trade Center site. The welcoming green grocers will again bring fresh fruit and vegetables and homemade baked goods to Lower Manhattan’s employees, residents and visitors. I encourage everyone to stop by for some New York blueberries, homegrown lettuce or fresh-baked bread, support our local grocers and celebrate the reopening of the Greenmarket.”

Tom Strumolo, Director of Greenmarket, said, “The World Trade Center site was home for many years to one of the most successful farmers markets in New York City. The Greenmarket provided residents, workers and businesses with fresh local fruits and vegetables. It is our hope that its return will lift community spirits and quality of life and help play a role in the area’s economic recovery.”

Last summer, the Greenmarket farmers were based in Liberty Park, located across Church Street from the Trade Center site. However, the park will undergo rehabilitation this summer and will be unable to accommodate the farmers.

Before September 11, 2001, the vendors were located along Church Street in the vicinity of 4 World Trade Center. The market was open on the morning of 9/11.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates many of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Teterboro airports; AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark; the George Washington Bridge; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) rapid-transit rail system; the Port Authority Downtown Manhattan Heliport; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. The Port Authority is financially self-supporting and receives no tax revenue from either state.