(a) In order to establish and secure emergency activities of all water transportation and related facilities within the bay area region, the authority shall have the authority to operate a comprehensive emergency public water transportation system that includes water transportation services, water transit terminals, and any other transport and facilities supportive of the system for the bay area region, provided that those facilities are consistent with the bay plan adopted by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, as it may be amended from time to time, and that the authority consults in good faith with affected municipalities, counties, and other public agencies that may be affected by a particular facility. The authority shall have authority and control over public transportation ferries within the bay area region, except that this section shall not affect any vessels, facilities, or services owned, operated, or provided by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. The planning, management, and operation of any existing or planned public transportation ferries and related facilities and services in the bay area region shall be consolidated under the authority’s control, subject to the adoption of the transition plan required by subdivision (b) of Section 66540.32. The authority shall not compel property transfers or operational changes to water transportation services provided by public agencies on or before January 1, 2008, prior to the adoption of that transition plan.
(b) Because of the importance of an orderly development of a comprehensive bay area region emergency water transportation system, the environmental, health, and public safety issues implicated, and the scarce resources available, the authority shall determine the entry within its jurisdiction of any water transportation service or facility that will affect public lands or receive or benefit from the use of federal, state, or local funds, except those owned, operated, or provided by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to be in derogation of the existing authority of the California Public Utilities Commission.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 387, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2009.)