NORFOLK (AP) -- The Virginia Port Authority is poised to reduce staff and make other changes to trim costs and improve efficiency.

The authority's executive director said he will propose a staff reduction of 7 percent at a meeting Tuesday in Norfolk. Jerry Bridges said he would achieve the cuts by offering early retirements.

According to a proposal posted on the authority's Web site, Bridges intends to reduce staffing to about 146 from the current level of 157.

The state agency owns Norfolk International Terminals, the Portsmouth Marine Terminal, the Newport News Marine Terminal and the Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal.

The Board of Commissioners also will receive an update on the port's financial performance at Tuesday's meeting.

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