a. Ellis Island occupies a significant and unique place in America’s heritage; it was the primary United States immigration station from 1892 to 1954 when more than 12 million people passed through the station complex – the greatest surge of migration in America’s history; and today, 40% of Americans can trace their family history from Ellis Island, which was added to the national park system in 1965 and placed under the operational supervision of the National Park Service as a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument in recognition of its importance in American history, architecture, and culture.

b. The closure of Ellis Island in 1954 resulted in its abandonment and decay; in 1990, following extensive rehabilitation, the Main Building reopened as an immigration museum and several buildings have been rehabilitated as administrative offices; and the National Park Service is working with Save Ellis Island, Inc. as the non-profit partner for implementation of the Ellis Island Institute and conference center, which is the preferred re-use for the remaining unused buildings on Ellis Island.

c. The Ellis Island Institute would be the primary use and would include cultural, interpretive and educational programs and activities with a policy research center and administrative and study space; and the associated conference center would host meetings, retreats and workshops that primarily focus on immigration, world migration, public health, cultural and ethnic diversity, and family history.

d. On May 26, 1998 the Supreme Court of the United States recognized and acknowledged New Jersey’s sovereignty and governmental control over a substantial portion of Ellis Island, as defined in the Court’s opinion; in December 1999 the Governor’s Advisory Committee on the Preservation and Use of Ellis Island issued its final report and recommendations; and in 2000 Save Ellis Island, Inc. was created in response to the Governor’s advisory committee.

e. It is desirable to create a State-level commission, which as an organized body, on a continuous basis, will: promote the interests of the State of New Jersey and provide assistance and advice to Save Ellis Island, Inc., its successors and other interested parties concerning the proposed Ellis Island Institute and its associated conference center; promote the proposed Ellis Island Institute and its associated conference center regionally and nationally as an important cultural and private-public initiative and destination venue; provide recognition for the accomplishments of the State of New Jersey in the rehabilitation, reuse and protection of cultural and historic resources on Ellis Island; and prepare reports to the Governor and the Legislature regarding its findings and recommendations.

L.2008, c.85, s.1.