Hudson Valley Senators to Hold Public Hearing on Coast Guard Anchorage Proposal

DOBBS FERRY, NY — A public hearing, organized by four Hudson Valley state senators, will give people a chance to hear more information about the proposal to create new anchorage sites on the Hudson River.

Senators Terrence Murphy, R-40th District; Sue Serino, R-41st District; Bill Larkin, R-39th District, and David Carlucci, D-38th District, have asked for oral testimony by invitation only that will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Croton Village Hall.

The purpose of the public hearing, according to a notice sent from the senators, is to hear from key stakeholders to better understand the potential impacts of the Coast Guard’s proposal.

“As the lifeblood of so many of our communities, we have a responsibility to protect and support the Hudson River, its wildlife and the communities that rely on it,” the notice said.

“Further, as respresentatives, we have a duty to ensure that no proposal would have a negative impact on the health, safety or economy of our local communities,” it continued.

The Coast Guard wants to create 10 new anchorage grounds containing 43 berths along the Hudson River from Yonkers to Kingston.

They will be used for commercial vessels, many of which would be carrying oil, and would take up nearly 1,000 acres of the river.

In September, the Westchester County Board of Legislators unanimously voted on a resolution opposing the Coast Guard’s plan.

The Coast Guard extended its deadline for written comments to December 6, 2016, but has no plans yet for its own public hearings. Comments can be left on this website.

Andy Bicking, the director of public policy for Scenic Hudson, said the hearing that the senators set up shows that they understand that there are concerns about the anchorages.

“The Senate is taking leadership here,” he said.

Bicking said Scenic Hudson has received an invitation to offer testimony, and while only those who have been invited can speak, it is important for the general public to attend.

“It will be a good event for people to come out and learn more, especially about the process going forward,” he said.

Croton Village Hall is located at 1 Van Wyck St. in Croton-on-Hudson.

Photo credit: Michael Woyton/Patch.