Stewart-Cousins Opposes Barge Anchorages

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins submitted public comments to the United States Coast Guard recently declaring her staunch opposition to the their proposal to establish ten or more new barge anchorage sites on the Hudson River between Yonkers and Kingston.

Senator Stewart-Cousins represents the Hudson River communities that would be most affected by the installation of these anchorages. These communities include Yonkers, Hastings-on-Hudson, and Dobbs Ferry. Many of these communities have directed significant resources toward waterfront revitalization efforts, which the anchorages would hinder.

“The Hudson River offers a unique natural beauty, and these communities tout their proximity to it as an enormous economic asset,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “These towns have invested millions of dollars to spur economic development along the River under the assumption this beauty would not be infringed upon. These anchorages threaten the aesthetic value of the wonderful views the River affords and will obstruct free use of the river for boaters, kayakers, swimmers and others. Moreover, barges are prone to spillage. An oil spill would not only endanger revitalization efforts, but also put the health and safety of residents at risk.”

Fostering sustainable economic growth is one of Senator Stewart-Cousins’ top priorities as both a State Senator and the Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference. Her letter implores the Coast Guard to conduct comprehensive environmental reviews and schedule formal public hearings. It also calls upon residents of impacted communities to attend these hearings and make their voices heard.