Rep. Sires Opposes Liberty State Park Privatization

Language Inserted into State Budget Could Allow For Private Golf Course Expansion

WEST NEW YORK, NJ — Congressman Albio Sires (D-Hudson) strongly opposes any further privatization of Liberty State Park, including an expansion of Liberty National Golf Club onto the Caven Point beach area. Language inserted into an emergency state budget passed by the State Legislature last week appears to have opened the door to private development in the park, a plan that the golf club’s ownership group has long supported. That action has sparked outrage from park advocates and elected officials who are now calling for the park to the permanently protected as public open space.

“Liberty State Park is an oasis for Hudson County and all New Jersey residents and the last thing we should do is sacrifice a public resource like that for an institution that serves only the wealthy and well connected,” said Rep. Sires. “I agree with leaders like Sam Pesin, Mayor Fulop and many others in our community who are outraged that this language was inserted into the state budget, and who are calling for a permanent solution to protect Liberty State Park so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.”

Congressman Sires has been a strong advocate for Liberty State Park throughout his tenure in the House of Representatives. He helped secure over $22 million in federal funds for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study to restore wetlands in the park, and also delivered nearly $6 million to improve ferry service from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the park.