9/11 Museum Opening Expected to Be Delayed

The Sept. 11 museum that was expected to open in 2012 could be delayed due to financial disputes between the Port Authority and museum officials.

Construction on the museum has effectively halted after over hundreds of millions of dollars in money disputes. The Port Authority allegedly stopped approving new contracts in September and claims the 9/11 Foundation owes the agency about $156 million in charges.

The museum, which boasts an $800 million budget, puts the Port Authority, jointly controlled by Governor Cuomo and Governor Christie in a political battle with Mayor Bloomberg's administration, who is the chairman of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum foundation.

The cost of rebuilding the World Trade Center has been disputed for months between public agencies and Larry Silverstein, who has the rights to development. The city and Port Authority have also been arguing about who will pay for $300 million in security costs. However, representatives said that they are expected to ultimately resolve the issues.

We're confident we will work them out again, said Julie Wood, a spokesman for the mayor in a statement.

We are working cooperatively with New York City and the memorial on this issue, said Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman, according to the Wall Street Journal.