In a release issued on Thursday, the Port Authority acknowledges that its buildings are non-jurisdictional, but says that it has reached agreements with the city over the years to meet or exceed its building and fire codes. During a project's design and construction phase, the authority's quality assurance division works with city agencies to ensure code compliance, the release states.

"In addition, the authority has entered into several memorandums of understanding with the New York City Department of Buildings and the New York City Fire Department to reaffirm its commitment to meet, and where appropriate, exceed accepted building and fire code standards," the release states. In 2004, the authority and the city entered into a WTC redevelopment agreement stating that the authority will comply with all applicable building code requirements "for all construction work to be performed by the Port Authority or any of its net lessees at the World Trade Center site."

Chris Ward, the authority's executive director, says in a release that the agency has "worked diligently" with city officials "to make sure our buildings are safe, secure and in conformance with all local building and fire codes." The annual report, he adds, "will allow the public to see what we've done so they can track our progress and judge for themselves."

In a statement, city buildings commissioner Robert Limandri says the authority "should be commended for taking this first step in making their inspection records available to the public, and we are looking forward to reviewing their results. We expect this will lead to greater communication and cooperation between our agencies and others in ensuring all public facilities are safe for New Yorkers."