GlobeSt.com has learned from one source close to the deal that last-minute reports about Silverstein having difficulty raising capital were false. "We were not aware of any issues concerning financing," the source told GlobeSt.com. "As far as we are concerned, the deal was a go all the way through."

The deal not only ends month of nail-biting as the frontrunners dwindled from eight to four and--late last night--to two. But it also ends a years-long effort to privatize the real estate. In a statement made on the close of the deal this afternoon (Thursday), Gov. George E. Pataki stated that: "This agreement allows the private sector to bring its expertise to managing this landmark, and it frees Port Authority resources for improvements to airports, tunnels and bridges."

Silverstein rose to the forefront of the negotiations last month, when talks with previous top bidder (at $3.25 billion) Vornado Realty stalled. Included in the net lease agreement are Number One and Number Two World Trade Center (the twin towers); four and five WTC and some 400,000 sf of retail space. The WTC Marriott, the US Customs House and Seven WTC are already under lease contracts.