The World Trade Center (WTC) twin towers were owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which had developed and operated the complex since its completion in the early 1970s. However, in July 2001, just two months before the September 11 attacks, a 99-year lease on the WTC complex was finalized with a private developer named **Larry Silverstein** through his company, **Silverstein Properties**.

The insurance policy on the World Trade Center was taken out by **Silverstein Properties** shortly after they secured the lease. The lease agreement included the twin towers and other surrounding buildings in the complex. The insurance policy was complex and involved multiple insurers due to the massive value of the property. The exact insurance policy was arranged in July 2001, but it was still under negotiation when the September 11 attacks occurred. After the attacks, there were significant legal disputes regarding the payout, with Silverstein eventually receiving around $4.6 billion in insurance settlements.

The timing of the lease and the insurance policy has been the subject of much scrutiny and speculation, especially given the catastrophic events that followed.