TRENTON – Port Authority Chairman David Samson offered his resignation and will step down from his post, Gov. Chris Christie announced Friday.
Samson, who was embroiled in the George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy that’s engulfed the Christie administration, offered his resignation earlier today, Christie announced at an afternoon news conference.
“I want to thank him for his service and friendship,” said Christie, explaining he accepted the Port Authority chairman’s resignation.
Christie made the announcement during a Statehouse news conference. It was the first time Christie appeared before reporters since early January.
The appearance came a day after a law firm hired by Christie’s administration issued a report clearing the governor of any wrongdoing with the GWB controversy.
“It’s an exhaustive report that follows the mandate that I set out when I commissioned the review,” Christie said.
Christie said he spoke with Samson on January 8 and the board chairman assured the governor he had no involvement in the lane closings, Christie said.
“I have every faith, trust and confidence in David’s integrity,” he said.
Samson’s resignation was effective immediately, Christie said.
