§ 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.