New York, NY —

In contrast to the state and the city governments, the operator of the region's airports passed its budget for next year without any public debate.

The Port Authority does expect fewer people will pay to use its bridges and tunnels next year, and traffic at its airports will also drop off.

But a double-digit hike in toll and PATH fares is supposed to bring in enough to offset the decline.

Meanwhile, the Authority is also keeping its expenses and staffing levels flat.

Its $3.3 billion capital budget is a different story: the Authority will intensify spending on the Freedom Tower, and other ground zero projects.

That is, provided that the credit market opens up enough to lend some money.

The last time the Port Authority tried to sell its bonds, it came up empty handed.

For WNYC, I'm Matthew Schuerman.