ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

ASSEMBLY, No. 2357

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: DECEMBER 16, 1996

 

      The Assembly Transportation and Communications Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2357.

      This bill would provide legislative authorization and approval for the Delaware River and Bay Authority to lease the property of and operate the Millville Airport Utility in the City of Millville, Cumberland County. This bill would require that the project authorized by this bill continue to maintain airport operations in the location referred to in the bill.

      Under the provisions of the "Delaware-New Jersey Compact," the Delaware River and Bay Authority is permitted to plan, finance, develop, construct, purchase, lease, maintain, improve and operate a "transportation or terminal facility" in Delaware or the New Jersey counties of Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem "for the sound economic development" of that area. However, such project cannot be undertaken by the authority without first holding a public hearing and having secured legislative authorization and approval of that project, or part thereof, pursuant to New Jersey law. This bill would provide for such authorization provided that a contract is entered into between the authority and the City of Millville.