The KCATA is a bi-state agency formed by an interstate compact between Kansas and Missouri in 1965-6.

"It was never the Port Authority's intention to own the hotel," said George J. Marlin, executive director of the bi-state agency.

Metro is a bi-state agency that operates most of the region's bus system and St. Louis Metrolink, the region's light-rail system.

For 70 years, the bi-state agency has continually re-invented itself, largely because its mandate to help develop the local economy is broad.

(As a bi-state agency, the Port Authority was exempt from city fire codes.)

Mr. Kushner was the governor's choice to become chairman of the powerful bi-state agency, and now Mr. Coscia is destined to move into that job.

As a bi-state agency, Port Authority projects require approval from both the states of New Jersey and New York.

Under the 1996 agreement, a coalition of Federal and state agencies, along with private nonprofit groups, will buy the 17,500-acre forest and transfer its ownership to a bi-state agency.

As a bi-state agency, the Port Authority required approval for new projects from the governors of both New York and New Jersey.

The Delaware River Port Authority is a bi-state agency of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.