Another factor is that it can take months for DCM to negotiate additional costs with the Port Authority.

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"For the shipping industry, even an extra half an hour in port means additional costs and they are trying to reduce this as much as they can, " he said.

BBC: Science & Environment

That prompted a hurried rebuilding of that part of the PATH signal system, a spokesman said, and an additional reform: The Port Authority now installs steel floodgates at the entrances to its cross-Hudson tunnels before major storms, including Sandy.

WSJ: Salt Water Puts City's Subway System 'in Jeopardy'