WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17) is the latest public
official to express concerns about the Coast Guard’s proposal to
establish anchorage sites along the Hudson River.
The Coast Guard wants to develop 10 anchorages between Kingston and Yonkers;
there is only one at present.
“The increase in barge traffic along the Hudson River will adversely
impact the economy of the Lower Hudson Valley region,” she said.
Lowey said at least two communities in her congressional district –
the towns of Cortlandt and Haverstraw – have passed resolutions
opposing the proposed anchorage sites and requested public hearings.
She urged the Coast Guard regional commander to hold public hearings in
the Hudson Valley, before any decision is made.
In her letter to Rear Admiral Linda Fagan, Lowey wrote: “More barges
will limit the number of recreational boaters at the marinas and increase
the likelihood of serious accidents between boaters and barges, thereby
hurting the recreational boating and tourism industry in the region.”
Lowey said the proposed anchorage sites “will also be visually unappealing,
after several river towns have spent significant funds and effort to maintain
the aesthetically pleasing shorelines.”
