TRENTON – The Senate today approved a bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr., to restore a pedestrian passageway that will provide public access to the open space on the New Jersey side of Ellis Island.
“Ellis Island is so rich in the immigration history of America that it should be experienced first hand,” said Senator Kenny, D-Hudson. “This walkway will enable our citizens to see the historic hospital structures and the open courtyards where our ancestors first encountered America.”
Under the bill, S-1822, an appropriation of $120,000 would be made to Save Ellis Island Inc., the non-profit organization created to assist in the overall restoration of Ellis Island, from the Garden State Green Acres Preservation Trust Fund.
“Though the restoration of Ellis Island will take years to complete, there are steps we can take now to increase its accessibility especially for the generation whose parents were processed at Ellis Island,” Senator Kenny said.
The measure passed 40-0 and it now goes to the Governor.