Newark mayor signs order to audit NY-NJ Port Authority

Newark's mayor has signed an executive order creating a committee to audit the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Mayor Ras Baraka's order Thursday also calls for the Port Authority to raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour at its facilities and take steps to hire more Newark residents.

This month Baraka led a march at the port to protest what he said are discriminatory hiring practices.

The Port Authority leases land from the city for Port Newark and part of Newark Liberty Airport.

Baraka has promised since his election two years ago to audit the Port Authority to ensure the city receives its just share of revenues under a 2002 lease agreement.

The Port Authority didn't immediately comment Thursday.

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