Research


Scope and Content Note

Files in this series contain signed and sealed copies of interstate compacts and intergovernmental agreements entered into by the State of New York. Files pertaining to compacts that have been amended also contain signed and sealed copies of the amended versions. In cases where compacts stipulate that rules, regulations, or forms be adopted to facilitate effective operation of the compact, signed and sealed copies of these documents are also included in files. Certain files contain copies of statutes from other states authorizing participation in compacts and signed certificates from other state governors ratifying compacts or agreements.

Interstate compacts and other intergovernmental agreements in the series pertain to a wide variety of issues, interest in which has been regional, national, or international. Numerous compacts involve conservation and development of water resources shared by multiple states or by a combination of states and Canadian provinces. Other compacts relate to the supervision of parolees and probationers; civil defense and natural disasters; care and supervision of delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles; and treatment of the mentally ill and mentally deficient. Particularly noteworthy is the earliest compact in the series. This compact, agreed to in 1921 by the states of New York and New Jersey, created the Port of New York District and established the Port of New York Authority (later Port Authority of New York and New Jersey).