NY Officials Oppose Barge Dock Proposal Along Hudson River
MONTROSE (CBSNewYork) -- Dozens of local lawmakers will be holding a hearing next month to discuss a proposal to build almost a dozen oil barges along the Hudson River.
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Elected officials up and down the Hudson River are united against a Coast Guard proposal to build 10 barge anchorage locations spanning from Yonkers to Kingston, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
"This is so vital to our ecosystem, it is so vital to our environment and crucial to our economy that we make sure we get the answers that we need," Sen. Terrence Murphy said.
Officials fear oil barges in the river could become targets for terrorists, and could increase the risk of environmental contamination from potential spills.
"The environmental issues, as well as the tourism issues -- but then we add the safety issues," Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said. "We are right near 9/11 and we should never forget -- and we won't."
The shipping industry wants to control the increase in barge traffic, as a glut of oil continues to ship from the Dakotas.
Local officials are expected to hold a hearing on Oct. 19 at Croton Village Hall.
