$5.9M Will Help Ferries Get From New Jersey To Statue Of Liberty

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will get $5.9 million to help make it easier to take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, officials announced Thursday.

The ferry docks at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ) at Liberty State Park in Jersey City will get a major facelift, increase space to six docking points for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries.

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate’s transit subcommittee, said the funding is a nod to the nation’s history of welcoming immigrants.

“The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are lasting symbols and tell the story of our nation’s vibrant immigration legacy as a country founded by and built upon immigrants coming here for a better life and a chance at the American dream,” Menendez said.

“Millions visit these historic landmarks each year,” the senator continued. “Modernizing ferry service to and from the islands will allow more tourists to share in the experience while also strengthening our local economy. As more and more people learn about our rich immigration history, it’s my hope that it will lead to greater tolerance and acceptance of the new wave of immigrants settling in our nation.”

According to a news release from Menendez:

“After Ellis Island opened as an immigration processing center in 1892, the CRRNJ was often the next stop for new immigrants before settling in New Jersey or traveling to other parts of the country. By 1900, the terminal accommodated up to 50,000 people per day between ferry and train services. Because of a decline in train travel, the CRRNJ declared bankruptcy and ended passenger operations by the late 1960s. By the next decade, the terminal and surrounding area was purchased by local, state and federal funds and a massive cleanup campaign began before the building was added to the State and National Register of Historic Places. Tourists from across the world now use the CRRNJ terminal to catch ferry service to visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Over 100 million Americans can trace their ancestry to the 12 million immigrants who came to the United States through Ellis Island.”

Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Albio Sires (District 8) also offered support for the $5.9 million boost at Liberty State Park.

“Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are beacons of hope and freedom to the entire world,” Sen. Booker said. “Millions of Americans and tourists visit these historic sites each year and are reminded of how this country was founded as a land of new beginnings and opportunity for people from all races, creeds, and religions. Making much needed upgrades to the islands’ ferry service will improve the experience for those visiting these powerful American symbols.”

• See related article: Smokey Bear Turns 75, Birthday Bash At Liberty State Park In NJ

Sires, a Cuban native who recently called President Donald Trump a “fearmonger” for his stances on immigration, said the funds will help more people to enjoy the historic landmarks.

“For myself, and so many more, the Statue of Liberty represents what our families saw when they came to America, a place of freedom and opportunity,” the congressman said.

• See related article: NJ Immigrants Own 47 Percent Of 'Main Street' Businesses
• See related article: 5 Reasons Why Immigrants Make New Jersey Better

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