"I applaud Governor Pataki, Speaker Silver and Senate Majority Leader Bruno for their leadership in approving the expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.  Today's action by the Public Authorities Control Board is the result of an extraordinary partnership between the City, the State, and the private sector led by the hospitality industry that allows us to move forward with a project that will mean thousands of jobs in the building, construction and hospitality industries - jobs for New Yorkers that need them.  In addition, the Javits expansion is expected to generate tens of millions in new annual tax revenue for the City and State, which will help pay for vital city services like education and public safety.

"When the Javits Center opened, it was clear that the facility was both too small and poorly configured to meet the demand for convention space in the world's greatest city.  As a result, New York City has missed its opportunity to capture its rightful share of the lucrative convention market.  While convention organizers clamor to bring new events to our city, without the expansion and modernization of Javits, we were unable to capture that growth.  The approved plan will double the current size of Javits and provide the City with the ability to host many more conventions, trade shows, exhibitions and special events, sending a resounding message that New York City is open for new business."