576
PUBLIC LAW 86-302-SEPT. 21, 1959
[73 S T A T.
between the states of New York and New Jersey is essential to the commerce, defense, and general welfare of the two states, and is in the public interest. " (b) Recent trends toward decay of existing mass transit systems, particularly in respect to those carrying passengers to or across the Hudson river or both, have created a condition of impending emergency requiring prompt action for the establishment on an interim basis of an operating system or systems designed to make the most effective use of existing facilities and services with the least financial hardship upon the operators thereof consistent with public needs. "(c) The present and future transit needs of the two states call for prompt development of an interim plan for the coordinated and integrated use of existing transit facilities and services, as well as for preparation of a long-range plan for a more permanent resolution of these problems. Present uncertainties as to the nature and extent of any acceptable and feasible long-range plan, as well as to the capital and operating costs of such a plan, require that such questions be inquired into upon the basis of experience accumulated in the operation of an interim plan. " (d) I t is therefore the policy of the two states to provide a method for the common handling and disposition by a single agency of the two states of those phases of the development and execution of an interim plan and the preparation of a long-range plan with which either of the states, acting alone, cannot deal effectively. "(e) The development and execution of an interim plan, as well as the preparation of a general plan, can and should be accomplished by a bi-state agency, to serve as an agency of the states and to have the full assistance and cooperation by all persons and agencies, private and public, of either or both of the states within the proper limits of its own functions and duties. "1.2. Means to be employed. The legislatures of the states of New York and New Jersey, respectively, further find and declare that the common aspects of the transportation requirements of the two states require concurrent action of the two states to create a bi-state agency, vesting with such power and duties as are necessary and proper for its initial functions, and providing for such additional powers and duties on its part as subsequent concurrent legislation may provide. "ARTICLE 2
((GENERAL
PROVISIONS
"2.1. Definitions. For the purposes of this compact, and of concurrent legislation enacted in furtherance thereof, unless and until the context plainly requires a different meaning: " (a) 'Transportation agency' means the New York-New Jersey transportation agency established by and pursuant to this compact. "(b) 'Concurrent legislation' means a statute adopted by one of the states party to this compact which is concurred in by the other state party to this compact in the form of a like enactment. "(c) 'Facility' or 'transit facility' means any real or personal property, including equipment, and any interest therein, to be used, constructed, acquired, or otherwise provided in connection with the providing of transit services. " (d) 'Transit', 'transit service', 'mass transit service' or any like term means those activities in the two states that are directed primarily to the transportation of commuters interstate by common carriers and secondarily to such transportation of commuters intrastate and of all other persons interstate and intrastate.
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