The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey proposed a record $45 billion 2026–2035 Capital Plan, charting the next decade of investment in the region’s transportation network. The plan continues the agency’s strong momentum, completing major initiatives from the 2017–2025 Capital Plan and advancing a new generation of projects that will modernize, strengthen, and expand the agency’s infrastructure around the region.

The proposal funds both the completion of major projects already underway, including the new Midtown Bus Terminal, the transformations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and the PATH Forward program, as well as new initiatives such as EWR’s new Terminal B anchoring a complete transformation of Newark Liberty, improved and more reliable mass transit access to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and world-class rebuild of LaGuardia’s Terminal A, and significant PATH service increases.

Sustained investment in the region’s critical assets is essential to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth, climate resiliency, and security needs. The Port Authority is self-sustaining and receives no taxpayer funding from either New York or New Jersey, raising the funds needed to operate, construct, and improve its facilities. Two-thirds of agency revenues are generated from non-toll and non-fare sources such as landing and dockage fees, lease payments, and other charges to businesses operating at its facilities.

The agency has a proven track record of delivering on these complex projects – on time, on budget and while keeping the region moving. Over the past decade, the Port Authority has delivered an unprecedented wave of renewal:

  • A whole new LaGuardia, a new Terminal A at Newark Liberty, and a new JFK under construction;
  • A whole new Midtown Bus Terminal advancing, the George Washington Bridge rehabilitation more than 60 percent completed, the Goethals Bridge rebuilt, and the Bayonne Bridge roadway raised to allow for navigation of next-generation ships to the Port of New York and New Jersey while extending the bridge’s useful life by 100 years;
  • Continued growth at the seaport – aided in part by investment in intermodal rail connections;
  • Continued infrastructure investments to make the 117-year-old PATH system more reliable;
  • Keeping the World Trade Center campus thriving with world-class office space and vibrant cultural offerings;
  • All powering the regional economy and connecting the region to the world.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would continue the ambitious infrastructure program started in 2017 by delivering:

A new, iconic Midtown Bus Terminal to replace the outdated existing 75-year-old terminal;

  • Completion of a new world-class aviation hub at John F. Kennedy International Airport and a major upgrade of the AirTrain JFK system;
  • A transformed Newark Liberty International Airport anchored by a new best-in-class Terminal B, a new AirTrain Newark, and the further implementation of the EWR Vision Plan;
  • A top-to-bottom rebuilding of Terminal A at LaGuardia while preserving the landmark rotunda;
  • A new era for PATH, with major service increases: more direct service, more frequency, and better reliability.


The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan not only funds large capital projects and the Port Authority’s $2.7 billion contribution to the Gateway Program; it funds the Port Authority’s state-of-good-repair program — including further advancing the comprehensive rehabilitation of the George Washington Bridge and extensive rehabilitations of the Lincoln Tunnel Helix and Outerbridge Crossing. It also advances the agency’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and security initiatives — both physical and cyber — to protect agency assets and the public it serves in a challenging, ever-changing security landscape.

In addition to announcing its $45 billion proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan, the Port Authority also announced its proposed 2026 annual budget totaling $10.1 billion, which includes $4.2 billion for operating expenses; $4.1 billion in capital spending; and $1.7 billion in debt service payments; and a record $1.1 billion set aside for safety and security measures.

“The concluding capital plan provided the roadmap and funding for an historic decade of achievement at the Port Authority,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This record $45 billion proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan builds on a 104-year legacy of connecting this region through bold, forward-looking, best-in-class infrastructure that will drive our economy. It’s a defining moment for our agency, proving that we deliver what we promise as we continue to raise the standard for what public infrastructure can achieve.”

“This proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan is about building on real, measurable progress and delivering the next chapter of transformation across our facilities,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Over a decade of achievement, we’ve turned once-doubted visions into tangible, award-winning results, from world-class airport terminals and new bridges to a revitalized PATH system, and we are not letting up. The proposed new capital plan will ensure that the Port Authority’s agenda for the next decade is just as big and just as ambitious. The impacts will be visible and lasting: faster, more reliable commutes, streamlined, awe-inspiring, world-class terminals and infrastructure built to handle the next century of growth and change.”

“For more than a century, the Port Authority has shaped the physical backbone of this region, and the proposed 2026–2035 Capital Plan carries that legacy into a new era,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford. “At a moment when we are undertaking the most significant transformation of our infrastructure since the post-war boom, this ambitious plan anchors the Port Authority’s commitment to keep building for the people of New York and New Jersey. Across every corner of the region, we are modernizing, expanding, and hardening the facilities that millions rely on every day — creating best-in-class gateways and resilient infrastructure that will serve travelers for generations to come.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port Authority has been navigating one of the most difficult operating environments in its history. The pandemic erased $3 billion in revenue, forcing significant capital spending delays and cost-cutting measures. Inflation, supply-chain shocks, and tariffs drove up the cost of steel, concrete and electrical components, while rising interest rates increased borrowing costs. The lack of federal COVID-19 relief for the PATH system, combined with ridership losses, required additional funding to sustain operations. Despite these challenges, the agency advanced the vast majority of its ambitious agenda from its previous 10-year capital plan, including major milestones such as EWR’s Terminal A, a Whole New LaGuardia Airport, and two new Staten Island bridges.

Proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan: A decade of big ambition

The proposed 2026–2035 Capital Plan aims to continue delivering a transformation not seen in a generation, reinforcing the Port Authority’s central role in the movement of people and goods across air, land, rail, and sea. The plan funds completion of ongoing megaprojects while launching the next wave of critical infrastructure projects to strengthen regional mobility and economic competitiveness. It will also create more than 50,000 jobs, including 33,000 union construction jobs, generating significant economic activity across the bi-state region. The proposed plan will be subject to public comment and Board of Commissioners consideration.

Initiatives of the 2026-2035 Capital Plan include:

Aviation:

The Port Authority is in the midst of a more than $50 billion wholesale remaking of its three major airports, anchored by historic public-private partnerships in cooperation with airline and development partners. Over the next 10 years, the agency will continue to deliver on its promise to transform its airports from worst to first. Its airports have already redefined world-class standards, with a best-in-class customer experience, inspiring civic architecture, robust public art programs, local concessions offering an unmistakable sense of place, state-of-the-art functionality, and cutting-edge technology. Port Authority airports have been transformed from experiences to be endured into destinations.

John F. Kennedy International Airport:

The 2017-2025 Capital Plan achieved: an ambitious vision plan and construction to completely transform JFK into a world-class global gateway. Construction began on the plan’s two anchor projects: the $4.2 billion Terminal 6 and the $9.5 billion New Terminal One. A $2 billion expansion at Terminal 4 and Terminal 8 delivered additional gates, new concessions and world-class customer amenities while consolidating airline operations. Construction also began on the completely redesigned roadway network, with about 70 percent of it now complete. More than $15 billion of the $19 billion is privately financed.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would drive: the delivery of a once-in-a-generation transformation of JFK. The first gates of the world-class international terminals 1 and 6 are set to open in 2026, and further sections of the completely rebuilt, vastly simplified roadway network are set to come online. The plan also calls for designing and completing a transformation of AirTrain JFK with state-of-the-art new train cars to double capacity, alongside new world-class stations. At the central taxi hold lot, a new restaurant will open to serve taxi drivers.

Newark Liberty International Airport:

The 2017-2025 Capital Plan achieved: Major steps toward an entirely new Newark Liberty experience. The stunning, airy and light-filled $2.7 billion Terminal A opened to acclaim, receiving recognition as the best new airport terminal in the world by Skytrax. The ambitious EWR Vision Plan was established, a roadmap to complete Newark Liberty’s transformation. Construction on a brand-new AirTrain Newark was designed, planned and launched.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would drive: Construction of a world-class gateway at Newark Liberty. The proposed plan provides funding for the Port Authority to establish a public-private partnership to design and build a new world-class, light-filled and inspiring Terminal B. The plan calls for expanding the five-star Terminal A, including design and construction work on additional gates for future growth, a critical step in the EWR Vision Plan. A brand-new, state-of-the-art $3.5 billion AirTrain Newark is currently under construction, improving reliability and capacity. Construction is also set to be completed in 2026 on a new community access point to the Airport Train Station, transforming airport and mass transit access for historically underserved areas of Newark and Elizabeth. The proposed capital plan would also fund a third major taxiway to reduce flight delays and a new, simplified roadway network.

LaGuardia Airport:

The 2017-2025 Capital Plan achieved: An unprecedented worst-to-first transformation.$8 billion was invested in LaGuardia Airport across two innovative public-private partnerships at Terminal B and Terminal C, transforming the nation’s worst airport into its best with a wholesale world-class rebuild. Both spectacular, reimagined terminals were opened to the public, quickly setting the new standard for U.S. airport infrastructure and winning a series of prestigious, international awards.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would drive: Finishing the job to make a vastly improved experience at LaGuardia even better. The plan calls for replacing the 85-year-old Terminal A to meet demand and continued passenger growth while respecting the building rotunda’s landmark status. The plan would also fund a vastly improved fast, free and frequent LGALink Q70 bus service with a new bus lane on the BQE and new on-airport bus stop. Work will also be completed on a new taxi hold lot at Terminal B, with amenities including new restrooms and prayer space for drivers.

At all airports:

The 2026-2035 Capital Plan would fund “Operation Legal Ride” — a 10-year, $100 million investment to launch a new war on predators who harass airport passengers by offering illegal rides and steal business from hard-working drivers. The taxi community and the Uber-Lyft/for-hire vehicle community are part of the lifeblood of Port Authority airports. The Port Authority is committed to ensuring that airport customers receive transportation offers from only legitimate taxis and for-hire vehicle services

This public safety initiative, developed in consultation with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), will include new technology tools, such as license plate readers, AI-aided CCTV, and an expanded database of unpermitted drivers, as well as a meaningful enforcement and deterrence strategy aimed at eliminating repeat offenders.

Funding: The Port Authority derives most of its funding from a combination of private investments, cost recoveries, revenues from lease activity and fees. The agency works to maximize revenues from non-toll and non-fare sources, drawing on all available capital resources.

To further support the capital plan’s ambitious agenda, the Port Authority is proposing that pick-up and drop-off fees for for-hire vehicles and taxis be aligned with peer airports.

Tunnel, bridges, and terminals:

The 2017-2025 Capital Plan achieved: the first major bridge construction since 1931 and critical steps toward a new Midtown Bus Terminal. The Bayonne and Goethals bridges were rebuilt and the $2 billion Restoring the George rebuilding program at the George Washington Bridge advanced to 60 percent completion. Additionally, the agency completely transitioned to cashless tolling, saving driving time, cutting emissions, and reducing crashes at toll plazas by 57 percent. At the Holland Tunnel, damage caused by Superstorm Sandy was repaired, and critical resiliency reinforcements were installed.

Finally, the Port Authority broke a longtime logjam around a new Midtown Bus Terminal, designing the replacement, engaging the community, and launching construction. The existing Midtown Bus Terminal is a poster child of legacy infrastructure long past its useful life. Its planned replacement was long mired in controversy and lacked funding. After the Port Authority’s 2019 proposal received negative feedback from the community focused on removing buses from local streets, the agency revised its plan in 2021 with a complete redesign to incorporate public feedback. The project moved from one structure to three, doubling the cost. All project approvals and financing have been secured, alongside widespread support for the project. Ground was broken with early works construction underway.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would drive: the design, planning, construction and opening of the New Midtown Bus Terminal, a world-class, light-filled transit hub. Additionally, the $11 billion investment will deliver direct, faster access to the Lincoln Tunnel, expanded terminal space, 21st century technology, and support for an all-electric fleet. For the community, buses will no longer circulate around community streets, street-facing concessions will enliven the community, and a new 3.5-acre green space will open, revitalizing the surrounding neighborhood. The once-in-a-century project will be completed in two phases: Phase One, including new ramps and the storage and staging facility, will be completed by 2030. Phase Two, including the new main terminal and green space, will be completed by 2035. The new, best-in-class Midtown Bus Terminal is a centerpiece of the 2026-2035 Capital Plan.

Funding: A vast majority of funding for the new Midtown Bus Terminal is derived from general Port Authority net revenues and bond/loan proceeds. To provide important additional support for the cost of building, operating and maintaining the world-class facility, the 2026-2035 Capital Plan proposes updating carrier fees charged to bus companies operating at the facility, many of which have not changed in decades.

It also proposes revisions to bus toll schedules, creating three new bus classes broadly characterized by potential for roadway wear and tear and generating congestion —minibuses, two-axle and three-axle — and instituting gradual increases in toll rates for these new classes from mid-2026 through 2034.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would drive: extensive rehabilitation and setting the stage for next chapters. Celebrating its 98th birthday in 2026, the Outerbridge Crossing will be the focus of a comprehensive $336 million rehabilitation program to keep the bridge strong and structurally sound in its final years ahead of the construction of a replacement crossing. The program includes work on the bridge’s structure, roadway and deck, all taking place over four years while keeping the crossing open to traffic. As part of the 2026-2035 Capital Plan, the Port Authority will begin planning for its future replacement to take place early in the 2036-2045 capital plan period.

The Lincoln Tunnel Helix is key to both the Lincoln Tunnel crossing as well as the Midtown Bus Terminal as the primary express bus route. An extensive rehabilitation program valued at $640 million intends to keep the roadway structurally sound in its final years ahead of the construction of a replacement. The program includes work on the bridge’s structure, roadway and deck, all taking place over five years while keeping the crossing open to traffic. As part of the 2026-2035 Capital Plan, the Port Authority will begin planning for its future replacement to take place in the 2036-2045 capital plan period.

Funding: To support critical investments at the agency’s crossings, the 2026-2035 Capital Plan proposes phasing out the current $2 discount for autos/motorcycles offered during off-peak hours. The phase-out would take place over four years ($0.50 per year) beginning January 2027. The Staten Island bridge discount program will remain unchanged. Truck E-ZPass discounts at off-peak hours will also remain unchanged. There is no change proposed to the calculation of the peak E-ZPass toll.

PATH:

The 2017-2025 Capital Plan achieved: bold action and a $3 billion investment to make the 117-year-old system more reliable and resilient. An outdated signal network was replaced with a $1 billion state-of-the-art system, allowing more trains to run closer together safely — one of the first railroads in the country to implement automatic and positive train control. The $430 million PATH Forward program is nearing completion, repairing aging stations, tracks and switches to deliver a smoother, more reliable experience for customers. The outdated Harrison station was expanded with a sleek, airy facility reflecting 21st century standards.

PATH purchased 72 new railcars, expanding the fleet by 20 percent. Platforms were extended to run nine-car trainsets on the Newark-World Trade Center line during peak hours, boosting capacity by 12 percent and reducing crowding in the system. Critical efforts to repair damage from Superstorm Sandy were completed, making stations and tunnels more resilient against future storms. New customer-focused features were introduced including a tap-to-pay fare payment system, updated countdown clocks, and the RidePATH app to enhance the customer experience.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would drive: one of the largest service increases in PATH history. This includes more frequent rush hour service, more frequent late-night weekend service, and reinstating direct weekend service: Journal Square-33 St, Hoboken-33 St, and Hoboken-World Trade Center. The plan also funds all new uptown tracks, making critical infrastructure investments to enable faster and more reliable service, and the installation of new state-of-the-art fare gates to combat fare evasion.

For the first time in 25 years, all four PATH lines would operate seven days a week in 2026.The 2026-2035 Capital Plan would fund a series of service increases:

  • Significant increase in weekend service to 33 St starting in 2026, with additional increases in 2027
  • Direct weekend service on Journal Square-33 St and Hoboken-World Trade Center lines by mid-2026
  • Increase in morning rush hour service on Hoboken-World Trade Center line in 2026
  • Doubling Friday late-night service to match Saturday late-night service in mid-2026
  • Additional trains during morning and evening rush hours and weekend daytimes on Newark-World Trade Center line in first half of 2027


As part of the 2026-2035 Capital Plan, the agency is committing to take action to prevent fare evasion. New state-of-the-art fare gates would reduce fare evasion and ensure everyone pays their fair share. The plan also funds technology, including CCTV and artificial intelligence, to identify patterns of fare evasion and develop targeted strategies to deter evasion and enforce fare payment.

Funding: PATH’s operations are unique among major U.S. transit systems in that it receives no dedicated state or federal funds. Fares cover only about 25 percent of the actual cost of each ride, and the Port Authority subsidizes the remaining 75 percent. To sustain operations and fund major service increases, the 2026-2035 Capital Plan proposes a fare increase of $0.25 beginning in summer 2026, with additional $0.25 increases each January from 2027 through 2029.

Seaport:

The 2017-2025 Capital Plan achieved: sustained leadership for the Port of New York and New Jersey. It is the second-busiest seaport in the country and the East Coast’s busiest seaport despite the pandemic’s supply chain shocks, while largely avoiding the congestion seen at other U.S. ports. The $1.7 billion effort to raise the Bayonne Bridge enabled the movement of larger, higher-capacity cargo ships. Terminal leases were restructured to drive private investment in best-in-class operations. The ExpressRail system was opened at the Port Jersey-Port Authority Marine Terminal, marking completion of the overall $600 million system across the seaport, supporting the rapid transfer of cargo from ship to rail to increase capacity and maintain market share growth.

Construction was planned, engineered and launched on a $220 million wholesale rebuild of the Port Street corridor to eliminate congestion and pinch points at the Newark-Elizabeth marine complex’s main northern entrance. The agency also gained full ownership of the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island, expanding opportunity for cargo growth in the region. Finally, critical repairs were made following Superstorm Sandy to reinforce the seaport for a more resilient future.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would drive: investments to maintain the port’s position as a “must-call” port on the East Coast. More than $1.2 billion in private investments would modernize and expand container terminal operations and infrastructure. New container terminal lease requirements also aim to drive investment in improving the trucker experience and transitioning to sustainable port operations, including electric cargo handling equipment. Plans are underway to further strengthen rail operations to increase fluidity and capacity.

The agency is also advancing deepening of the harbor to 55 feet in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enable the safer and more efficient movement of larger, high-capacity cargo vessels. Wharves and berths, some over 60 years old, will get restored or replaced to ensure long-term vitality through future growth in operations. These investments protect regional jobs, strengthen trade, and support national economic security, keeping the port competitive and the region’s economy moving.

World Trade Center:

The 2017-2025 Capital Plan achieved: major contributions toward the revitalization of Lower Manhattan. The Port Authority and its private partners completed 3 World Trade Center, and One World Trade Center was established as a hub for technology and media companies, with 95 percent occupancy. The PAC NYC opened to the public to widespread acclaim. Additionally, the rebuilt St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine reopened, the only house of worship destroyed in the Sept. 11 attacks. The Port Authority has also planned and implemented unique and highly successful event programming on the campus, including local food markets and a beer garden, live sports watch parties, yoga and wellness classes, and riveting public art.

The proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan would fund: continued efforts to ensure that the World Trade Center remains a resilient, world-class destination and driver of downtown economic development for decades to come. The Port Authority aims to complete the World Trade Center campus with buildouts of Tower 2 and Tower 5, while making strategic investments to maintain One World Trade Center as a Class-A office building that continues to attract high-quality tenants.

Proposed 2026 annual budget

The Port Authority also released its 2026 budget proposal totaling $10.1 billion. Of that, $4.1 billion in capital funding is set to begin advancing work outlined in the 2026-2035 Capital Plan. Capital funding in the 2026 budget is 14 percent above capital funding in the 2025 budget. This includes the ongoing transformation of JFK, a major ramp-up in construction of the new Midtown Bus Terminal, a new entry point to the Newark Airport Rail Station opening by the end of 2026, continued work on the new AirTrain Newark, improved reliability of PATH’s railcar fleet and track infrastructure, and continued funding for essential work to keep the agency’s infrastructure in a state-of-good repair.

Operating funds in the 2026 budget proposal total $4.3 billion, funding the agency’s day-to-day operations that will include significant PATH service increases. The agency is projecting robust passenger and cargo volumes in 2026, including a record of over 148 million passengers at its airports, 122.4 million vehicles at its bridge and tunnel crossings, 62 million riders on PATH across the year to reach a new high of 75 percent of pre-pandemic levels, 8.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) at the seaport as it maintains its leadership position among U.S. ports, and 60 million visitors to the World Trade Center campus. The budget also includes $1.7 billion in debt service payments to meet the Port Authority’s debt obligations.

Security

Of the proposed operating budget, a record $1.1 billion is set aside to provide for the safety and security of the traveling public. This includes resources for the Port Authority Police Department and civilian security entities to respond to the evolving threat landscape and provide world-class safety and security. It also includes critical cybersecurity investments to strengthen and enhance the agency’s cybersecurity defenses: operating a 24/7 cyber security operations center, third-party cyber assessments and remediations targeting the highest levels of protection, expanding and enhancing the agency’s third-party risk program, and a major focus on resiliency and disaster recovery solutions.

Sustainability

The proposed 2026 budget also supports the delivery of the Port Authority’s net-zero emissions roadmap and climate resilience of its assets amidst the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This includes funding to advance the agency’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030, the continued replacement of internal combustion engine vehicles to advance the agency’s goal to electrify its entire light-duty vehicle fleet by 2028, and an expansion of the agency’s solar power investments across the region’s airports. The proposed budget also includes funding to protect critical infrastructure from the impacts of more frequent and severe storms and sea level rise as a result of climate change.

Technology and Innovation

The proposed 2026 budget additionally invests in new technology to build a smarter, more connected network that enhances safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Through its employee-driven innovation hub, the agency has launched more than 60 pilots exploring autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and advanced air mobility. These efforts will expand to integrate cutting-edge tools and data-driven systems into every major project across the agency’s facilities.

The Port Authority is committed to thoroughly soliciting public input as it considers the capital plan. To ensure the public has ample opportunity to share its views, six public hearings have been scheduled at multiple locations across the region and at varying times of day. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearings below in person or virtually or submit comments through the Port Authority website by Dec. 15: 

Date

Location

Dec. 2, 9 a.m.

2 Montgomery St., 3rd floor, Jersey City, N.J.

(with virtual option)

Dec. 3, 10 a.m.

John F. Kennedy International Airport Bldg. 14, 14 S. Service Rd., Jamaica, N.Y.

Dec. 3, 7 p.m.

4 World Trade Center, 150 Greenwich St., 23rd floor, New York, N.Y.

(with virtual option)

Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Port Authority Elizabeth Outreach Office, 79 W. Jersey St., Elizabeth, NJ

Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Hilton Hasbrouck Heights, 650 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.

Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Williamson Theatre at the College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, N.Y.

Public comments can also be made at the December meeting of the Port Authority Board of Commissioners, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18, at 2 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, N.J.