NEW YORK — The agency that controls New York City-area airports has approved a $4 billion redevelopment of aging LaGuardia Airport.

The approval came after an often rancorous board meeting Thursday in which board members sparred over how much the project will cost and how it will be managed.

A newspaper report this week claimed it will cost $5 billion.

The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey criticized the report. Pat Foye says it counts money spent years ago on projects unrelated to a new terminal. Foye was appointed by Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Chairman John Degnan sharply criticized Foye and called the report accurate. Degnan was appointed by Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Vice Chairman Scott Rechler, another Cuomo appointee, sided with Foye.