Law Boosts Efforts by Carteret and South Amboy
A measure sponsored by Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) to allow local governments to enter certain extended-term ferry boat lease agreements was signed into law Thursday by Governor Phil Murphy.
The new law (formerly bill A-4897) will support efforts to establish ferry service to New York City from Carteret and South Amboy, which are part of Assemblywoman Lopez, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and State Senator Joe Vitale’s home district in Middlesex County.
Lopez, Coughlin and Vitale released the following joint statement:
“Ferry service from Middlesex County to Manhattan is a dream that became another step closer to reality with this new law. Municipalities like Carteret and South Amboy, which have long sought to establish ferry infrastructure and service, will now have more options and flexibility when entering ferry boat lease agreements.
“In the most densely populated State in the nation, we must always be looking for ways to improve transportation. It’s no secret that the New York City commute can be taxing, tedious and time-consuming to say the least. Water transportation to the city remains significantly underdeveloped, and Carteret and South Amboy are at the forefront of maximizing the benefits that ferry services provide. Ferry operations will provide thousands of commuters with more convenient travel options and will subsequently alleviate both bus and rail traffic.
“We thank the Governor for signing this legislation into law, and we look forward to the completion of the ferry projects in Carteret and South Amboy.”