New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie weighed in on redevelopment at the World Trade Center for the first time yesterday, backing a new proposal by the Port Authority to help developer Larry Silverstein build and finance two towers at the site.

With a deadline looming to reach a deal, the agency yesterday offered to slice the amount Silverstein would have to put up for the construction of a second tower by more than half, from $625 million to $300 million.

Silverstein is entitled to build three towers at Ground Zero. But the recession and a slump in the demand for office space has forced him to postpone construction of a third tower.