N.Y. Railroad Law § 84

§ 84. Corporations may establish ferries. Any steam railroad\ncorporation, incorporated under the laws of this state, with a terminus\nin the harbor of New York, may purchase or lease boats propelled by\nsteam or otherwise, and operate the same as a ferry or otherwise, over\nthe waters of the harbor of New York, but this section shall not be\nconstrued to affect the rights of the city of New York.\n