TETERBORO – Acting Governor Richard J. Codey signed legislation today sponsored by Senator Paul A. Sarlo and co-sponsored by Senator Joseph Coniglio that would permit the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to purchase Stewart Airport in Newburgh, N.Y.
“As air traffic in and out of the area continues to grow, we must find new ways of reducing congestion and increasing capacity over the entire metropolitan region,” said Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Passaic and Essex.
The enactment of the legislation, previously bill S-25, in New Jersey is essential to the Port Authority’s plan to convert the former Air Force base to a larger commercial entity capable of attracting air traffic now clogging the skies over North Jersey, Manhattan and Long Island. The measure was co-prime sponsored by Senate President Codey.
“Stewart will ease the strain currently on New Jersey airports, especially at Teterboro and Newark Liberty,” said Senator Coniglio, D-Bergen. “With fewer planes flying into local airports, we will be able to increase safety and security at these facilities and cut down on the amount of air traffic noise in Bergen County.”
The legislation is needed because the Port Authority’s range of operations is limited to a 25-mile radius from the Statue of Liberty and Stewart is an estimated 60 miles north.
“The idea is to cut down on gridlock in the area of Teterboro. Stewart Airport will provide residents of southern New York state with flights that are closer to home, allowing Teterboro to focus on serving North Jersey,” Senator Sarlo said.
New York already has passed similar legislation as required by the Port Authority’s bi-state compact.