<P> The dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court of the United States, which ruled in New Jersey v. New York 523 U.S. 767 (1998), that New Jersey had jurisdiction over all portions of the island created after the original compact was approved (effectively, more than 80% of the island's present land). This caused several immediate instances of confusion: some buildings, for instance, fell into the territory of both states . New Jersey and New York soon agreed to share jurisdiction of the island . It remains wholly a federal property, however, and these legal decisions do not result in either state taking any fiscal or physical responsibility for the maintenance, preservation, or improvement of any of the historic properties . </P> <P> The ruling had no effect on the status of Liberty Island, 4.17 acres (1.69 ha) of which was created by land reclamation . </P> <P> For New York State tax purposes, it is assessed as Manhattan Block 1, Lot 201 . Since 1998, it also has a tax number assigned by the state of New Jersey . </P> <P> Frank Lloyd Wright designed a key plan for the island that included housing, hotels, and large domes along the edges . The co-curator of the traveling exhibit, "Never Built New York" in which it is included told AM New York, "It's pretty remarkable but at the same time it's a little bit horrifying that they could have gotten rid of Ellis Island ." </P>

What was the main purpose of ellis island