Operating Engineers Local 825 responds to $29B capital plan proposed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

For Immediate Release

SPRINGFIELD, NJ, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 – The IUOE Local 825 applauded Governors Christie and Cuomo for the Port Authority’s comprehensive, forward-looking strategy to prioritize and address the region’s critical infrastructure needs, announced earlier in the day.

“The $27.6 billion investment will boost our local economy and provide thousands of jobs for our member engineers and other workers” said Greg Lalevee, Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825.

Lalevee hailed the plan as a bold step that will ensure transparency and fairness while putting Local 825 Operating Engineers to work on bridges — such as the Goethals, Pulaski Skyway and the Bayonne Bridge; the Lincoln Tunnel helix; the Ports of New York and New Jersey; the Harrison and Grove Street PATH stations; and Newark International Airport.

The Port Authority is seeking public comment on the proposed 10-year Capital Plan, which will be available online today on the Port Authority website http://www.panynj.gov/corporateinformation/budget-capital-plan.html. The Capital Plan is subject to Board approval on February 19. The agency is requesting that comments be received by February 14, but will review any submissions through February 18.

“This is a bold yet well-conceived plan that will help transform the Port Authority into a dynamic economic engine and return its focus to building and maintaining vital transportation infrastructure projects for the millions of people who use its airports, tunnels,
bridges, ports and rail systems,” Lalevee said.

Local 825 is headquartered in Springfield, N.J., and represents more than 6,500 operating engineers throughout New Jersey and five counties of lower New York: Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware. Its members operate heavy-equipment – such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, pavers, pile drivers backhoes and loaders – to execute large construction tasks and earthworks operations.

Contact

Greg Lalevee

Business Manager, Local 825

(973) 671-6900

PR Contact

Bill Carlos

Avow Communications

(908) 499-7862