N.Y. Navigation Law § 115-a: Ferry service

§ 115-a. Ferry service. A village which owns property which is

disconnected geographically by water from the mainland area of the

village and the mainland of the state, which such property is not

connected by any bridge or viaduct with such mainland area, may acquire,

by purchase, lease, charter, new construction or otherwise, and provide,

maintain and operate a ferry or ferries, together with the necessary

boats and terminals therefor, or may provide ferry service by contract

upon such terms and conditions as prescribed by the village board, for

the transporation of passengers, express matter and freight between such

property and such mainland area, during the whole or such portion or

portions of the year, and may charge or agree to such rates therefor, as

it may deem advisable, and each such village shall have the right to

spend money for such purposes or any of them. Before operating any ferry

or ferries, the village shall obtain such license or permission from the

branch or branches of the United States government having jurisdiction

over the navigable waters in which such ferry or ferries shall operate,

as may be necessary or required, but notwithstanding any other provision

of law, it shall not be necessary for any such village to obtain license

or other permission for the operation of such ferry or ferries from any

other body politic or court of the state of New York. For the purpose of

this subdivision the mainland of Long Island shall be considered part of

the mainland of the state of New York.

The provisions of this section shall be controlling notwithstanding

any contrary provisions of law.