Urban Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Pat Ford, on paid leave while the State Ethics Commission reviews his receipt of gifts, "has received assurances from authorities that his cooperation with them is of 'mutual interest,' " his attorney said today in a short statement.

The statement from attorney Lawrence Fisher came in response to today's Post-Gazette story about conversations at least two people said they had with federal investigators regarding a range of issues with which Mr. Ford has been involved, including city billboard permitting and the Pittsburgh Housing Authority's operations.

"Mr. Ford is neither the subject nor the target of any investigation by authorities, federal or otherwise," wrote Mr. Fisher.

Yesterday, he reiterated past statements that Mr. Ford "is... // Pittsburgh Post Gazette