Supreme Court Halts New Jersey Efforts to Pull out of Waterfront Commission
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that New Jersey can not pull out of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor that the two states agreed to partner on…
ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 06: Containers from cargo ships are stacked at a port in Elizabeth on October 06, 2021 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Global supply chain disruptions have continued to affect the U.S. economy. Despite continued uncertainly in the economy, stocks staged a comeback on Wednesday with markets rebounding as investors showed optimism about a possible debt ceiling deal. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that New Jersey can not pull out of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor that the two states agreed to partner on back in 1953 in order to put a clamp on crime around the New York/New Jersey harbor ports.
According to the New York Times, the state of New Jersey viewed the need for the commission as obsolete, and Governor Phil Murphy plans to pull the states commissioners off the panel by next week, a move that would cripple the commission from operating as it has for nearly 70 years.
The Court barred New Jersey from pulling out of the commission or cutting off its funding.
Fellow Democrat, New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the Court's decision saying, "“a victory for the safety of New Yorkers and for the health of our economy.” She added that the commission’s work “in combating crime at the port and protecting vital industries is more important than ever before.”
Murphy expressed disappointment in the decision, "“I will not give up the fight to protect New Jersey’s interests, which are poorly served by a commission that operates without transparency and has long outlived its usefulness."
