NEW YORK, NY January 25, 2007 —Later today, the Port Authority is expected to vote to add a 5th airport to its regional system, 55 miles north of New York City. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more.

The Port Authority Commissioners are expected to support spending close to $80 million to takeover Stewart International in Orange County, New York.

The bi-state agency will be buying out a 93 year lease from National Express Corporation. Late last year, the Port Authority voted to look at the potential for expansion Stewart provided because regional air traffic volume is projected to climb significantly. Stewart is 2,400 acres, roughly 3 times the size of LaGuardia and is currently under utilized.

Another selling point - the Orange County airport is not in the same crowded airspace as the Port Authority's other jetports. Existing New York state law permits the expansion but it must be approved by the New Jersey legislature. Both Governors Eliot Spitzer and Jon Corzine support the Stewart plan. For WNYC, I'm Bob Hennelly.