Astorino Asks Public To Fight Federal Plan For Westchester Barge Anchorages

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino recently stood along the shores of the Hudson River with local elected officials, environmentalists and private citizens to urge the the public to voice concerns regarding the federal government’s plans to create up to 10 commercial barge anchorages in close proximity to the Westchester coastline.

County Executive Robert Astorino is calling on citizens to voice their opinions about a federal effort to create a group of commercial barge anchorages near Westchester's shore.
Photo Credit: *File*

Jay Waitkus

08/14/2016 9:11 a.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard recently unveiled a plan calling for the additional anchorages to allow certain vessels, such as industrial barges to drop anchor.

The 10 proposed locations include spots in Yonkers, Montrose and Verplanck.

“Once again, it appears that the federal government wants to do what it wants, where it wants, when it wants and that’s just not okay,” Astorino said. “This plan would create a giant parking lot for massive barges and other commercial vessels just yards from our shores, and there needs to be a process to fully vet this proposal in the most transparent manner possible.”

The press conference was hosted by state Sen. Terrence Murphy (R-Yorktown) in Cortlandt.

Those who want to express their opinions to the federal government on the matter can do so by clicking here.

The public comment period ends Wednesday, Sept. 7.

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