The Public Works Administration or PWA ( Agency of Public works ) was a body gouvernamental created in June 1933 within the framework of the National Industrial Recovery Act of the policy of New Deal, instituted by the president Roosevelt. Its objective was to negotiate contracts with private companies for the construction of public buildings. It was directed by the secretary inside of the time, Harold Ickes. It resolved the sum of 3,3 billion dollars, intended to be spent within the framework of the policy of great public works. This one was to make it possible to start again the Demande, to provide employment, of stabliliser the Purchasing power and to contribute to a revival of the American Industrie.

Among the principal projects built under the auspices of the PWA, one finds the Triborough Bridge (New York), the Lincoln Tunnel which connect Manhattan to the New Jersey, or the Pennsylvania Railroad in his section between New York and Washington DC.