The Port Authority says it has lost enormous revenue and the ability to keep working on critical projects due to the pandemic.

It's asking for $3 billion in federal funding to offset those revenue losses.

“No one ever thought that a 97 percent drop in passengers at our airports, 95 percent drop at our commuter railroad and 50 percent drop at the bridges and tunnels was ever conceivable. What that has done is blown a hole in our revenues,” Executive Director Rick Cotton told NY1.

Cotton said the Port Authority won't be able to keep working on critical projects without help from the federal government.

"What that puts at risk is our ability to be part of a strong economic recovery; it puts at risk $20 billion of construction capital spending that could drive tens of thousands of good jobs; it puts at risk our commitment to rebuild our substandard airports, bus terminal bridges and commuter rail,” he said.

Cotton said the federal funding will help increase transportation capabilities that will help attract travelers back to the New York and New Jersey areas.

Cotton also gave NY1 an update on his status after being diagnosed with coronavirus in early March. He said he is “recovered, tested negative and back at work.”