N.J. Stat. Ann. § 52:27C-17

The department may petition any Federal, State, municipal or other authority, administrative, judicial or legislative, having jurisdiction in the premises, for the adoption and execution of any physical improvement, change in method, rate or system of handling freight, warehousing, docking, lightering or transfer of freight or the transportation of passengers and baggage which the commissioner may find desirable to improve or facilitate commerce in and through the State, or to improve terminal and transportation facilities therein. The commissioner may intervene in any proceeding affecting the commerce of the State, but nothing herein shall impair the powers of any municipality or ad hoc authority to develop, improve or operate port and terminal facilities.