NEW YORK, NY December 14, 2006 —Members of the Port Authority board are expected to approve the largest capital spending plan in the authority's history later today. WNYC's Bob Hennelly reports.

The capital budget of more than $26 billion includes major renovations at the 3 regional airports as well as upgrading Orange County's Stewart Airport to serve as a 4th hub. The 10-year plan also includes building more rail lines to service the ports of New York Harbor.

This would shift the reliance away from trucks and increase overall port capacity. The Port Authority's master plan is unusual because it is based on a 10-year projection and the board members have vowed not to increase tolls or Path Train fares next year. But if all the projects on the wish list move forward, including a rail tunnel under the Hudson River, commuters can count on having to pay more in 2008. For WNYC, I’m Bob Hennelly.