PAnewsPublished biweekly for Port Authority and PATH employees

Give Thanks, Recognize a Colleague!

This holiday season, it’s easier than ever to give thanks for your fellow employees who go above and beyond.

Two Employer of Choice programs – PA Applause and Shout Out! – enable employees to recognize each other for amazing achievements and great teamwork in support of the agency’s priorities and standards.

Employees can send a Shout Out! from their Outlook interface or mobile phone to recognize colleagues who embody agency standards, selecting hashtags that describe how they uphold and support diversity and inclusion, 21st century technology, best practices, integrity, speed and collaboration.

Top participants – in both giving and receiving Shout Outs – are eligible to receive Port Authority swag and even attend a special recognition reception with senior leaders.

Are you a manager who wants to reward game-changing work beyond the performance review process? Leaders can nominate teams and individuals for PA Applause monetary awards to recognize projects and contributions that tangibly enhance the customer or employee experience in line with agency priorities.

Visit the Employer of Choice page on eNet for complete information on both programs.

Promoting Inclusivity Through “Women In Technology”The Port Authority is poised to take on the evolving technology landscape by inspiring the next generation of women in technology.

On November 19, the Port Authority Women’s Council (PAWC) Employee Business Resource Group officially launched Women in Technology (WIT), a new committee with the mission of educating, attracting and inspiring women to pursue careers in technology. And what better to way to kick it off than with a keynote speech from technology trailblazer Atefeh Riazi, the United Nations Chief Information Technology Officer, Assistant Secretary-General for Information and Communications Technology.

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Agency news, employee achievements,important updates, and much more.

November 27, 2019 • Volume 18 • Number 23

PATH Strengthens Leadership Team, Advances System Enhancements

In June, PATH Director Clarelle DeGraffe publicly unveiled an ambitious plan to improve PATH service by adding capacity, reducing delays, and enhancing the customer experience. As part of her unveiling, she highlighted specific actions PATH will take to achieve these goals and emphasized the importance of teamwork.

Over the past four months, PATH has worked collectively to turn the ideas encompassed in the PATH Improvement Plan (PIP) into action – and is showing measurable results. PATH successfully increased capacity by 10% on the NWK-WTC and JSQ-33rdSt. lines in September by running additional trains and adding more departure times to rush-hour service.

During the October Board of Commissioners meeting, PATH advanced another important element to increase capacity, as the Board authorized $78.6 million to enable station facilities and platforms to accommodate longer 9-car trains on the NWK-WTC line. When completed, 9-car operations will allow PATH to achieve a 40% increase on the NWK-WTC line. Required station alterations are set to begin in the third quarter of 2020,

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PATH’s new leadership team is ready to deliver an improved customer experience. From left, Joy Chiu, John C. Burkhard, Thomas H. Rowbottom, Kenneth S. Wallace, Clarelle DeGraffe, Damian M. McShane and Beth E. Siegel.

Chief Technology Officer Robert Galvin (right) presented the Port Authority’s inaugural Ada Lovelace

Award for Innovation – named after the pioneering computer programmer – to Atefeh Riazi, the United

Nations Chief Information Technology Officer.

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QUICK LINKS

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New Shops Open at George Washington Bridge Bus StationAnother piece of the complete transformation of the GWB Bus Station came to fruition this month. On November 13, Port Authority staff invited the Washington Heights community to attend a boisterous celebration of the grand opening of several brand new, locally owned and operated retail shops during the evening rush hour.

The new storefronts open into the interior of the Bus Station and offer reliable service and convenience to both travelers on the go and locals running errands. Newly opened Buunni Coffee has locations on both levels: a coffee counter downstairs, and a spacious shop upstairs to sit and enjoy a conversation or even a gluten-free baked good.

The aptly named GWB Juice Bar has fresh juices with names like The Boss (banana, strawberries, blueberries and coconut milk) and Mi Gente (pineapple, blueberries, banana and orange juice). The juice bar also offers classic New York fare like Nathan’s hot dogs and black-and-white cookies.

Around the corner from GWB Juice Bar is frozen yogurt shop VS Berry, where free samples lured in commuters and families alike. Despite the November chill, staff reported business had been good, especially when they served flavors like Coconut and Cookies N’ Cream. Another new storefront, Credit City, was a buzz of activity, and combined shoeshine station and barbershop Dr. Shine was helping a family who needed holiday shoes spiffed up for the season’s events. Additional vendors like Gateway Newsstands are on track to open in the coming weeks and months.

These shops complete the station, but at its heart is the Juan Pablo Duarte Community Space, which opened in August. It has become an extraordinary success, sponsoring multiple well-attended community events every week and offering gallery space for incredible local artists.

It was truly a heartwarming sight, with a DJ providing energetic sound and balloons adding color and a festive ambiance to the common area at the Bus Station’s Fort Washington Avenue entrance. Staff from Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals and Government & Community Relations answered questions and handed out tote bags with giveaways and local store coupons. News channel PIX11 was on hand to interview business owners and passersby, and even returned later to film a live segment. The event was also attended by New York State Senator Robert Jackson and a representative from the Office of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.

The turnaround on the Bus Station’s interior storefronts has not been easy to accomplish. Over the past five months, General Manager Ken Sagrestano and GWB facility staff, Port Authority Engineering, and Port Authority Real Estate have placed a special emphasis on working with local vendors to build out tenant spaces and continue to reach lease agreements. Their hard work was tangible during the grand opening and truly deserved such celebration. With the recent shop openings, we are on our way to invigorating the interior of the facility with attractive retail and concessions options for the local community and the George Washington Bridge Bus Station’s 5 million annual passengers.

Executive Director Rick Cotton (left) visited the grand opening to meet small business owners at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station.

Be a Good Traveler This Holiday Season

If you’re flying this holiday season, did you know that you can reduce the greenhouse gas impact of your travels? Since 2017, the Port Authority has partnered with The Good Traveler, a program that provides an easy way to offset the carbon emissions resulting from travel. The Good Traveler is the only aviation-focused carbon offset program, founded by airports, with a mission to reduce the carbon impact of commercial flights.

A carbon offset is a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, achieved through projects that reduce emissions associated with an activity (such as methane gas capture from landfills) or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (such as reforestation). When you purchase a carbon offset, your money goes toward making these projects possible and officially offsets the emissions produced by your travel. The Port Authority also works with The Good Traveler to offset the agency’s business travel emissions.

The next time you fly, consider offsetting the emissions associated with your trip through The Good Traveler – a $2 purchase will offset 1,000 miles of flying, the distance of a one-way flight from JFK to MIA. It's a quick and relatively affordable way to make your travel sustainable. In fact, for the price of two Pumpkin Spice Lattes, you could offset your entire flight and contribute toward a future with cleaner air for all.

The holidays are some of the busiest times of year for air, car, bus and train travel, which can lead to increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. For your next trip, consider purchasing offsets that support the capture of carbon or invest in zero-emissions technologies help restore the climate balance locally and globally. Learn more about The Good Traveler and carbon offsetting at thegoodtraveler.org.

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PA News • November 27, 2019 3

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton joined the third meeting of the newly formed Port Authority Bus Terminal Advisory Council on Wednesday, November 20. The Advisory Council is made up of 17 members who represent a diverse subset of everyday patrons of the bus terminal.

He spoke to the members that evening about the agency’s goal to enhance public outreach and to improve the customer experience. He thanked members for taking time out of their busy schedules to provide facility management with input on operations, customer service issues, and community concerns.

“The input of Advisory Council members serves as a foundation in enhancing our customers’ experiences to make sure that our facilities serve people’s needs,” said Cotton.

The Advisory Council also heard from Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals Deputy Director Robin Bramwell-Stewart, who provided the group with an overview of the TB&T Capital Plan. Director of Branding and Customer Partnerships Jawauna Greene spoke to the members about marketing and branding initiatives. Additionally, former PATH Riders’ Council (PRC) Chairperson and alumnus Sridhar Shankar spoke with the Council to offer words of encouragement and advice based on his experience as a PRC member over the last five years, since its inception in 2014.

The Advisory Council marked its first major milestone with the election of Chairperson Kim Trevisan and the selection of four Vice-Chairs, including Isaac Menda, Jon Scott, E.A. Thomas, and Megan Wintersteen. Assistant Director of Operations and Technical Services Hanson Lee congratulated the newly elected council leadership and provided members with updates from the Technology Department on cellular service inquires and improvements to the MyTerminal app raised at the prior meeting.

Currently in its pilot year, the Port Authority Bus Terminal Advisory Council launched in July and is facilitated by TB&T Customer Programs Coordinator Raina Cinquemani. Members have been tasked with assisting in garnering input from Port Authority Bus Terminal commuters and local residents to identify their needs and concerns and act as a voice in operational decision-making. The Port Authority team looks forward to partnering with the council to review operational and customer experience issues as they directly impact thousands of commuters and local residents.

Rick Cotton (center) and Robin Bramwell-Stewart (third from right) join the members of the PABT Advisory Council at its third meeting.

PATH Strengthens Leadership Team, Advances System Enhancements continued from page 1

with the second quarter of 2022 being the targeted completion date.

As PATH continues to deliver initiatives in the PIP, it’s taking steps to expand and strengthen its leadership team. PATH recently announced several key promotions and appointments – and for the first time in PATH’s history, the department will be led by two Deputy Directors.

Thomas H. Rowbottom has assumed the role of Deputy Director of Operations and Beth E. Siegel has assumed the role of Deputy Director of Business & Program Delivery, respectively. With over 40 years of railroad experience, Tom will step into the role of overseeing the daily operation of PATH’s railroad and its facilities. Beth will oversee the department’s Business and Capital Project Management divisions. Her new role will support the successful implementation of key PIP initiatives, such as a new fare payment system, crowd-counting technology, and new interactive kiosks at our stations.

John C. Burkhard has been named Assistant Director/General Superintendent, PATH Operations. In this role, John will oversee PATH’s direct operating divisions to ensure that the railroad runs reliably, with minimal to no disruption to service. He will leverage his 20-plus years of experience to provide oversight to operational initiatives in the PIP to reduce delays, by introducing intense track and drainage maintenance, data analysis on car equipment failures, and installation of new switches at critical locations in the PATH system.

PATH’s Way & Structures Division also has two new additions to the team. Joy Chiu has assumed the newly created position of Superintendent, Structures and Facilities. In her new role, Joy oversees the day-to-day work and maintenance of PATH’s structures and various facilities. Kenneth S. Wallace has assumed the role of Superintendent, Track to oversee track maintenance and state-of-good-repair projects. He will be responsible for delivering the Track Division’s capital projects and ensure that day-to-day

A Milestone for New PABT Advisory Council

maintenance activities conform to industry best practices.

Damian McShane has been named Assistant Director, Capital Project Management. In his new role, Damian oversees PATH’s Capital Plan and ensures the delivery of a multitude of projects, including the Hurricane Sandy Recovery and Resiliency Program. Damian will lead the charge for implementation of the 9-Car Program, to include modifications to Grove Street and Exchange Place stations, as well

as a 10-Car Train Planning Study. “The positioning of these individuals in

key roles, alongside current staff, will ensure that PATH continues to focus on and deliver the PATH Improvement Plan and to deliver on our other strategic priorities,” said Director DeGraffe in the agency broadcast announcing the new team. She also is looking forward to seeing how PATH’s new leadership approaches the challenge of building the world-class customer experience PATH riders deserve.

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Expanding Airport Concessions Opportunities for Local BusinessesWith an ongoing commitment to an inclusionary process in its projects, the Port Authority continuously engages the local community regarding job and business opportunities, small business outreach and development through various programs and events.

Earlier this month on November 14, the Port Authority held the New Jersey Aviation Concessions Orientation Symposium, an informative program that highlighted various facets of the airport customer experience, such as food and beverage, retail, rental car and spa services, as well as amenities.

Hosted in conjunction with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, over 140 attendees from Newark, Essex County, Elizabeth and Union County had the opportunity to network with terminal developers and concession industry professionals to learn about best practices, emerging trends, and experiences with operating concessions in aviation.

“We want to ensure that small and disadvantaged business enterprises are afforded opportunities to obtain airport construction-related and concessions contracts,” said Michael Massiah, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. “In addition to the value of having a diverse workforce, we also recognize the significance of having a local businesses partner in delivering world class service to our customers.”

“There are a multitude of opportunities for local minority- and women-owned businesses in the Port Authority’s Capital Plan, and we are encouraging everyone to engage in our certification process,” said Jenny Davis, Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs. “Through our community offices, we are offering resources and guidance to ensure local MWSBES are able to compete for this work.”

In September, a similar event was held in partnership with Queens Borough President Melinda Katz for JFK International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

Staff from the Office of Diversity & Inclusion – including Dorene Smith (standing), Yamil Bautista, Liza

Akopdzhanova and Brandin Sumpter – are committed to enhancing business opportunities for small and

disadvantaged business enterprises.

John F. Kennedy International Airport is taking a giant leap forward in advancing Port Authority’s aggressive sustainability goals, creating a unique solar energy installation that will help power the airport and make cheaper electricity available to neighboring communities.

Developed in partnership with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the JFK International Airport Solar Photovoltaic Project will generate approximately 13 megawatts of onsite solar and approximately 7.5 megawatts of battery storage, including a 6.1-megawatt community solar generation facility.

Besides adding a solar source to defray the airport’s power costs, electricity channeled to the grid through this project will benefit small business and residents near JFK, providing renewable energy at discounted prices. The single-largest solar project in New York City, it is also the largest planned community solar project based at an airport in the United States.

Said Christine Weydig, the Port Authority’s Director of Environmental and Energy Programs: “With this record-setting system, our neighbors at JFK will have access to local, renewable energy, and the Port Authority will advance its greenhouse gas reduction objectives.”

The installation is central to the agency’s efforts to implement solar and other renewable energy sources at its facilities, in keeping with its commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. Once completed, the solar system is projected to cut JFK greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 6,699 tons annually, the equivalent of taking 1,422 cars off the road each year.

The agency recently awarded contracts to SunPower Corporation to develop the project, and Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group to assist in financing.

Shining the Light on JFK Solar

Promoting Inclusivity Through “Women In Technology”continued from page 1

Riazi took audience questions, and shared a host of life lessons and facts about women’s underrepresentation in technology – for instance, women are responsible for about 85 percent of consumer spending, yet represent only about three percent of tech designers.

“IT is no longer just coding – it’s about the experience of technology,” she said, adding that women’s perspectives are incredibly valuable in understanding the impact of tech on society, the economy and politics.

Beyond hosting events like Riazi’s presentation, WIT will develop a mentoring program, partner with HR to attract female tech talent to the agency through various outreach efforts, work with the TEC training team to offer support and resources to departments, and encourage continuous learning and development through its WIT book club.

“Where you cannot find a way, you must make a way – Women in Technology is a unique way for diverse women to get more involved in technology across the organization,” said Kimberly Collier, Chairperson of WIT and Business Manager for Technology. “We believe WIT will serve as the vehicle that encourages and supports women to participate in technology regardless of their current role, helping contribute to our agency standard of 21st century technology.”

WIT is welcoming new members – and as a member of WIT you’ll also be a member of the PA Women’s Council. Email wit@panynj.gov for membership details.

Get PA News If you’d like PA News sent to your personal email address, send a note to panews@panynj.gov.

PA News • November 27, 2019 5

Staff AchievementsTB&T Program Director is SIAEA Honoree

On November 16, the Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA) proudly presented Manish Patel, PMP, with the 2019 Honoree Award at its annual gala at the Grand Hyatt in NYC. This award was presented in recognition of his achievements and dedication to public service throughout his career at the Port Authority. SIAEA seeks to organize and unite engineering and architectural professionals of Indian origin, as well as to enhance the image and visibility of Indian professionals within American society.

Manish is a Program Director in Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals, with over 20 years of increasing responsibility in project and program management. He leads a team of senior program managers, overseeing core state of good repair projects at the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, as well as TB&T priority capital projects, including the PABT Quality of Commute Program and the Holland Tunnel Sandy Restoration Program. Manish has also served as a committee member for Lean Implementation efforts, where he focused on improving construction design approvals, construction inspection and commissioning, and the capital project close out process. Manish has also been a leader in expanding the cultural awareness about

employees of Asian descent within the PA. In 2010, Manish chartered the Port Authority Asian American Association (PA-AAA) Employee Business Resource Group, serving as its President through 2013. Manish regularly organized cultural and networking events, as well as led the annual Asian Heritage Month breakfast, featuring prominent speakers from both inside and outside of the agency. Today PA-AAA engages in community and charitable works, hosts the annual Asian American Heritage breakfast in May as well as the popular Chinese New Year and Diwali celebrations each year. Manish continues to be a strong supporter of the group, attending this year’s breakfast with many of his team. Congratulations to Manish on his award!

Executive Recruitment Manager Honored as Hispanic AchieverOn November 7, Evelyn Crespo – Manager,ExecutiveRecruitment andStrategic Sourcingin the HumanResourcesDepartment –was honored atthe YMCA ofGreater NewYork HispanicAchieversReception.Since 2016,the Port Authority has sponsored the YMCA of Greater New York Hispanic Achievers Award, which honors Hispanic professional achievers and raises funds for college-bound students. Individuals selected for the award exhibit strong work ethic, excellence, honor and integrity, and a track record of professional and community contributions.

Evelyn, whose career spans more than 30 years at the Port Authority, directs the

recruitment of all senior executive positions and key agency roles. She is responsible for managing the executive search and selection process including the development and execution of recruitment strategies, the selection of executive search partners with industry expertise to attract diverse talent, and the executive onboarding of all new senior leaders to ensure their successful transition and integration in the agency. Evelyn has fostered positive working relationships with senior agency leaders and has built strong partnerships across external staffing partners, industry networks and a range of diverse community organizations. Her knowledge, expertise and collaborative spirit have enabled her to become a trusted advisor and mentor across the agency.

Congratulations to Evelyn on this well-deserved honor!

PAPD Retiree Honored for Work with KidsThe Community Mayors, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that provides recreational opportunitiesfor children with special needs, recently honored retired PAPD Inspector Kenneth Honig for his years of dedication to the organization. Kenn has been volunteering with the Community Mayors since 2002, serves as the Community Mayor of LaGuardia Airport and is the organization’s treasurer. The Community Mayors organize events all over the New York City area, including Operation Santa Claus at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

TB&T Program Director Manish Patel (center) is the SIAEA 2019 Honoree, and was joined by TB&T’s

Rocco Cetera, Program Director, and Robin Bramwell-Stewart, Deputy Director.

Executive Recruitment Manager Evelyn Crespo (right) receives her

Hispanic Achiever Award for excellence at the Port Authority

and in the community.

Retired Police Inspector Kenn Honig (far left) receives his

honor from Community Mayors leaders Shelley Della Rocca Aprea and Vincent Petraro.

CalendarPAHS Noche BuenaFriday, December 6, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at IberiaCrystal Room, Newark. Join the PA HispanicSociety for its holiday celebration, featuringmusical entertainment from DJ Double A (a.k.a.retiree Al Anton). Tickets are $70 each (two for$130) and includes dinner, drinks and dessert.RSVP to pahs@panynj.gov. Cash, checks andVenmo (@PortAuthority-HispanicSociety)accepted; view the flyer for complete info.

PAHS Donation Collection for the York Street Housing ProjectOngoing through Thursday, December 12. PAHS is collecting donations for the York Street Housing Project in Jersey City, which houses single mothers and their children fleeing domestic violence, and aids them with job skill development and independent living resources. PAHS is collecting donations of toiletries for the women and children – view the flyer for complete info and bin locations at 4 WTC, 2 Mont, PATC, Journal Square, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel and GWB. Monetary Donations are also accepted via cash, check or Venmo at PortAuthority-HispanicSociety.

PA-AAA and Aviation Tea-TastingTuesday, December 10 from noon to 2 p.m., 4 WTC, Conference Rooms 18A-B. Taste a variety of tea types, learn about their unique health benefits and take home a Blue Butterfly Tea Satchel. Tickets are $20 for non PA-AAA members, $15 for members, with seats limited to the first 40 people. RSVP and purchase tickets by December 4 using the QR codes in the flyer or pay cash to William Wang (wwwang@panynj.gov).

PA News • November 27, 2019 6

Discount ProgramPort Authority employees and retirees can take advantage of hundreds of discounts at stores, theaters, theme parks, and more through Working Advantage, the PA’s Employee Discount Program partner. Visit www.workingadvantage.com and use the PA Member ID number – 405042634.

Cybersecurity Threats Don't Take Holiday Breaks

As the holiday season approaches, please use caution when browsing or shopping online to avoid potential holiday scams. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey discourages the use of registering for a third-party service or shopping site (such as Amazon or eBay) using your Port Authority email address. Criminals may use your Port Authority email address to send you emails that contain malicious links or infected attachments with malware.

Here Are Some Helpful Tips to Enhance the Cybersecurity of the Port Authority:

• Do not use your Port Authority emailaddress on third-party servicewebsites.

• Only conduct agency business onPort Authority computing resources.

• Be wary of official-sounding andtime-sensitive emails; these are tricksused by scammers to instill a senseof urgency, hoping the recipient willact without thinking.

• Be cautious when opening filesembedded in emails, especially if thefile name is unusual or received froman unexpected sender.

Contact the agency’s Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) at csoc@panynj.gov or 201-216-2880 if you have concerns.

VS.IRS ScammersGrinches

Proposed 2020 Budget Released for Public ReviewIn line with past practice, the Port Authority released its proposed 2020 $3.4 billion Operating Budget and $3.6 billion Capital Budget for public review and comment earlier this month in advance of the Board of Commissioners’ action on it at the December 12 meeting. The proposed budget is available on panynj.gov.

Increased funding in the proposed 2020 Operating Budget – which includes an inflation-based 1.9 percent increase of $64 million in core expenses vs. the 2019 budget – targets many of the agency’s top priorities, including customer experience, safety and security, and sustainability. It also funds support for operational improvements for AirTrain EWR and AirTrain JFK, as well as the PATH Improvement Plan.

The proposed Operating Budget also includes an additional $62 million of incremental high-priority spending to achieve important upgrades in facility operations and in customer experience initiatives, spending for Capital Plan construction support, and funds for multiple customer service initiatives. They include funding to crack down on illegal hustling at the airports, and enhanced toll recovery activities.

The proposed budget also dedicates $16 million in operating funds to support the agency’s ongoing Employer of Choice initiative to retain, grow and attract top talent through employee training, development, recognition and compensation programs.

On the Capital Budget side, the agency is proposing $3.6 billion to continue its aggressive effort to rebuild and replace legacy facilities with state-of-the-art infrastructure, and to maintain existing facilities in a state of good repair.

More than 50 percent of the proposed Capital Budget – $2.1 billion – is dedicated to redevelopment of the agency’s airports. This includes construction of an entirely new LaGuardia Airport, planning and design for the AirTrain LGA project, construction of a new Terminal One and planning for a new Terminal Two at Newark Liberty International Airport, and planning and early works construction for the redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars are proposed to continue ongoing initiatives to upgrade trans-Hudson crossings, include the “Restore the George” program at the George Washington Bridge and planning and design for a new Port Authority Bus Terminal.

D&I Showcases Security Business OpportunitiesThe Office of Diversity & Inclusion hosted a Security Exchange on November 13 to educate minority- and women-owned firms about doing business with the Port Authority for security projects. Department representatives from Diversity & Inclusion, the Office of the Chief Security Officer, Procurement, and Technology shared presentations on supplier diversity, security guard opportunities, cybersecurity technology and procurement disciplines.

The event also provided a networking opportunity for minority- and women-owned security firms to connect and engage with prime vendors within the industry that have secured contracts with the Port Authority.

Procurement’s Special Purchases Project Contract Manager Richard Grehl (at podium) was among the

presenters sharing helpful information on Port Authority business opportunities in security.

PA News • November 27, 2019 7

Board News: November 21 MeetingIn case you missed it, here are some of the announcements and authorizations from the most recent Board of Commissioners meeting. All Board meetings are livestreamed on the Port Authority’s public website and available to watch via recording anytime.

For the Board schedule, archived meeting videos, complete minutes and authorizations, and presentations, visit the PA’s Corporate Information page.

Proposed Lease for The New Terminal One at JFK: As a major step toward transforming John F. Kennedy International Airport into a unified, modern international gateway with world-class passenger amenities, the Board authorized a proposed lease for The New Terminal One on the airport’s south side.

The Port Authority will enter into the lease agreement with a consortium of airlines – Lufthansa, Air France, Japan Airlines and Korean Air Lines – and development andfinancial partners – The Carlyle Group, JLC Infrastructure and the Union Labor LifeInsurance Company (Ullico) – for the design, construction, financing, operation andmaintenance of the new terminal as part of the overall $13 billion commitment torebuild the airport. The proposed lease provides for construction of a brand-newinternational terminal on the site previously occupied by existing Terminals 1 and 2and an aircraft parking area previously occupied by Terminal 3 at an estimated cost ofapproximately $7.4 billion. The New Terminal One will open in stages through 2025,with the existing facilities remaining in operation to limit the impact on customers.Read more about this project in the press release.

Rehabilitation of Major Runway at Newark Liberty International Airport: To maintain the airport’s runways in a state of good repair, the Board authorized a $99.2 million project to rehabilitate Runway 4R-22L and portions of its connecting taxiways at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Runway 4R-22L is 10,000-feet long and was last rehabilitated in 2012. The runway is one of three at the airport and it serves as the primary arrival runway. Work on the project is scheduled to begin in 2021 and will be coordinated with all stakeholders, including the airlines, to minimize disruption to the traveling public.

PA-AAA Fills the Night with LightThe Port Authority Asian American Association (PA-AAA) hosted its annual Diwali Dinner on November 15 at Salaam Bombay restaurant, where over 90 guests gathered together to celebrate the Indian festival of lights.

PA-AAA’s President Jia Dee Li opened the event by explaining the significance of Diwali. Originating in India, Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals, which celebrates the victory of light, intelligence over ignorance, and good over evil.

“The Port Authority Asian American Association’s mission is to empower Asian Americans through leadership development, executive partnerships, professional networking, community service and public outreach in direct alignment with the agency’s mission – to keep the region moving,” she said. “Our annual Diwali ‘Festival of Lights’ celebration enlightens people about one of the popular festivals in Asian culture.”

The holiday is marked by four days of celebration including the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and the exchange of sweets. The PA-AAA organized a fun-filled evening with lots of delicious Indian food, live entertainment, and a raffle including cultural prizes. Each guest received an elegantly decorated Diya, a small candle that is typically lit during Diwali to signify light over darkness.

PA-AAA hosts different Asian cultural celebrations throughout the year inducing parties for the Chinese New Year, tea-tasting events, and the annual Diwali celebration. Check them out on the new Employee Business Resource Group hub on eNet.

Celebrating Diwali are PA-AAA members: treasurer Ritika Reikhy, president Jia Dee Li, membership

co-chair Azra Syed, events co-chair Courtney Fong, events co-chair Rajaram Vasan, co-secretary Tiffany

Chan and (in back) member Amit Bhowmick.

Items up for sale include a couch, baby gear, a classic Monte Carlo and a Mercury Sable.

Visit the Trading Post for the full list.

Got News for Next Time?

Commute Using Employee Rideshare

Employee Rideshare Program services are provided through 511NY Rideshare in New York and NJ EZ Ride in New Jersey, and include the following:

• Confidential carpool matching to connectwith colleagues based on your home andwork location

• Vanpool matching, route-planning, anddriver training

• Shuttle service connecting majortransportation hubs such as Newark PennStation and PATH stations

• Guaranteed ride/emergency ride programs

• Personalized transit planning and resiliencytravel planning

• Bicycle and walk route-planning, bike buddymatching, and bike lockers

Visit eNet for more information or contact OEEP’s Petra Kandus at pkandus@panynj.gov.

Do you have newsfrom your team,department oremployee group toshare in the next PA News? Send it to news@panynj.gov by December 13 to be included in the December 19 holiday issue.