New York Car Rentals
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New York Car Rentals and the NY/NJ Port Authority
Before taking your New York car rental to the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel or the Newark Liberty International Airport, do you know what these places have in common? They are all managed and maintained by New York and New Jersey's Port Authority! Below you will find some useful information about this important and necessary function of New York and New Jersey.
What is Port Authority?
Port Authority NY/NJ manages and maintains bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, airports, PATH, and seaport critical to the bistate region's trade and transport capabilities. They provide safe and efficient travel for both people and good across the region.
History
As you drive by many landmarks in your New York car rental, keep in mind that many bridges and tunnels are managed by Port Authority. Here is a brief history for your interest.
Beginnings
Port Authority was first established on April 30th, 1921 to administer the common harbor interests on New York and New Jersey. Originally named "Port of New York Authority", its name changed to "The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey" in 1972. This was to more accurately identify its role as a bistate agency.
Years of Development
Port Authority's 1st charge was to construct critical interstate crossings in the late 1920's and early 30's. This included the George Washington Bridge and the Outerbridge Crossing. As construction continued, the 1st tube of the Lincoln Tunnel was completed in 1937. During the late 1940's, Port Authority leased three airports from Newark, New Jersey and New York City. To help advance the region's interests in port and trade promotion, the construction of the World Trade Center was completed in the 1970's. As the 1980's progressed, Port Authority began a bistate program of industrial redevelopment that aimed at helping the region retain manufacturing firms and jobs. The 1990's contained a number of concentrated efforts on transportation and trade projects.
Recent Events
Today, Port Authority's $8.7 billion investment program has already resulted in many upgrades and improvements on various facilities, as well as the renewing and preservation of the region's infrastructure. This includes the December 2003 opening of the Air Train JFK and the World Trade Center Transportation Hub.
Port Authority Police
As your drive by in your New York car rental, you may see various policemen doing a wide variety of duties across the region. Created in June 1928, the Port Authority Police first started off with 40 men and increased in numbers over the decades. With the opening of Holland Tunnel in 1927, 3 Metropolitan Airports, and the Marine Terminal in the 1940's, the police force grew rapidly. Today the Port Authority police force numbers over 1600. One of the greatest tragedies was during the September 11th attacks where 37 police officers and one police K-9 died on duty. Over the many decades, the Port Authority police have developed into a force of professional and dedicated men and women whom are always ready to serve and protect people who work and travel through the Port Authority Facilities.
Some Port Authority Facilities
Feel safe as you take your New York car rental to the following facilities:
- Brooklyn Marine Terminal
- Red Hook Container Terminal
- George Washington Bridge
- George Washington Bridge Bus Station
- Bathgate Industrial Park
- Laguardia Airport
- Port Authority Bus Terminal
- Journal Square Transportation Center
- Port Newark
- Automarine Terminal
- Bayonne Bridge
- Elizabeth Marine Terminal
- Downtown Manhattan Heliport
- Site of World Trade Center
- Lincoln Tunnel
- Queens West
- South Waterfront
- Holland Tunnel
