Governors shake up Port Authority leadership

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - The governors of New York and New Jersey announced a major shakeup in the leadership at the Port Authority at the height of the so-called Summer of Hell.

In a letter to the governors, current Port Authority Chairman John Degnan announced his resignation. Taking his place will be former New Jersey state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, one of Gov. Chris Christie's biggest allies during the Bridgegate scandal.

"I can think of no one better than Kevin O'Toole to assume the Port Authority chairmanship at this point, with New Jersey and New York moving forward with the most important project in generations to impact commuters and the economy in the Northeast Corridor, the Gateway Program," Christie said in a statement. "Kevin is the right person at the right time."

Executive Director Pat Foye, who played a critical role in exposing the Bridgegate scandal, is also leaving. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to tap him to be the next MTA president, according to reports.

Foye will be replaced by Rick Cotton, who has worked with Cuomo on a number of infrastructure projects including improving the airports and building the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates the region's airports, several bridges and tunnels, shipping ports, the World Trade Center site, bus terminals, and more.