COMMUNITY GATHERS TO SINK BARGE PROPOSAL

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY—In recent months, a bi-partisan group of concerned local officials have come together to ensure that Hudson Valley communities have a voice in the process as the United States Coast Guard considers a controversial proposal to create new anchorage sites along the Hudson River. 

Tonight, with the Croton Town Hall filled to capacity, Senator Sue Serino joined with Senators Terrence Murphy and David Carlucci at the Croton Village Town Hall to give community members a chance to be heard at a public hearing on the proposal.

"Our communities—the ones that may be directly impacted by this proposal—deserve an opportunity to make their voices heard and that is what this hearing is all about," said Senator Serino. "By bringing together a diverse group of local leaders, environmental advocates, Hudson River pilots and concerned citizens, we are ensuring transparency in a process that thus far seems to be without answers and we are ensuring that the U.S. Coast Guard has a clear and accurate picture of the ways in which their proposal may impact our region. We are giving the people of our community what they deserve, now it is up to the U.S. Coast Guard to make sure that each and every comment is taken into serious consideration."

Senator Serino has long been vocal on the issue, urging the Coast Guard to hold a public hearing on the proposal in August of this year. Thanks to the efforts of the Senator Serino and local officials, as well as countless concerned citizens, the Coast Guard extended its original deadline for public comment until December 6, 2016, however they have failed to set an official date for a public hearing. While the final decision regarding the proposal ultimately lies with the federal government, the hearing sought to shine light on the severity of the issue and to put the countless community concerns on record. 

After hearing from countless representatives who were frustrated after never being informed of the proposal by the Coast Guard, Serino continued, “I do my homework when it comes to issues that will impact our livelihoods. I have taken the time to meet directly with the Coast Guard and frankly, I left with more questions than answers. I have the utmost respect for our Coast Guard and for those concerned about safety along the Hudson—however we, as elected officials, have an obligation to not only expect answers to the many questions and concerns voiced over the last the several months, we need to be assured that no proposal will jeopardize the quality of life for area residents or have a negative impact on the environmental health of the region.”

Speakers at the event included a diverse and bi-partisan group of regional lawmakers, environmental advocates, business leaders, pilots and concerned citizens—both for an against the proposal—including the following: Rob Astorino, Westchester County Executive; Jason Baker, Senior Assistant to Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano; Linda Puglisi, Town Supervisor, Town of Cortlandt; Eoin Wrafter, Planning and Development Commissioner, Office of Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro; Liam McLaughlin, President Yonkers City Council; Deborah Milone, Executive Director, Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce; Ned Sullivan, President, Scenic Hudson; Edward Kelly, Executive Director Maritime Association, Port of New York and New Jersey; Barbara Scuccimarra, Legislator representing Office of Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell; John Cronin Pace University Environmental Law School; Betsy Garthwaite, Chairman of the Board Clearwater, John Parker, Director of Legal Program Riverkeeper, Frank Bergman, President, Hudson River Boat and Yacht Club Association, Emily Majer, Deputy Mayor, Village of Tivoli.

Senator Serino went on to stress the importance of preserving the Hudson River for our younger generations saying, “As a mom, I worry about my children and my grandchildren having access to the majestic river. We have a duty to ensure that the policies we set today do not negatively impact them in the future, and I urge community members to continue to make their voices heard.”

The hearing can be viewed in full, by clicking here. Those wishing to submit a public comment directly to the U.S. Coast Guard, can click here to add their voice before December 6, 2016.

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