Federal officials are pushing ahead with an experiment to reduce flight delays around the nation by auctioning takeoff and landing times at New York City-area airports. That's where about two-thirds of delays begin.

Bush administration officials are racing to get the plan in place before they leave office in three months. Airlines and airports are sprinting to court to stop them.

Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced final rules yesterday to begin auctioning takeoff and landing slots at the three major New York-area airports: John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark-Liberty. The New York area is a top destination of travelers using Richmond International Airport.

Under Peters' plan, auction winners would be announced Jan. 12, about a week before President Bush leaves office.

He is adamant that auctions will unclog the crowded skies.

"Without slot auctions, a small number of airlines will profit while travelers bear the brunt of higher fares, fewer choices and deteriorating service," she said in a statement.

The government gradually will auction up to 10 percent of the landing and takeoff slots the airlines operate at the airports.

The Air Transport Association, which represents commercial air carriers, said they will ask a judge to stop the government. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the city's airports, has joined a lawsuit over the issue and vowed to block any planes using auction slots from arriving at their terminals.

The Port Authority "will take immediate action to stop this plan," Executive Director Chris Ward said.

Peters also announced plans to reduce the number of hourly takeoffs and landings at LaGuardia from 75 to 71. She said that should cut flight delays at LaGuardia by 40 percent.