Officials Say Decision Coming On 'Ducks' On Schuylkill
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We could know in about two weeks whether "Ride the Ducks" will ever be allowed to carry tourists on the Schuylkill River. The company stopped operations on the Delaware after last summer's fatal collision with a barge.
The Nutter Administration expects to decide in just a couple of weeks whether to allow Ride the Ducks to launch its quacking tour boats on the Schuylkill. Brian Abernathy, chief of staff to the Managing Director, says there's still some information to evaluate.
"Optimistically, we're looking at mid-January for a final decision on whether we award the contract or not."
And if not, would it rule out Duck boats on the Schuylkill?
"Yes," Abernathy said. "If we do not award the contract, amphibious vehicles won't be on the Schuylkill."
"Ride the Ducks" was the only company to respond to the Administration's RFP to provide service on the Schuylkill. Abernathy says the decision will take into account concerns of nearby residents and park advocates, who say the Duck Boats would adversely impact the river and the park.
We'll ask the mayor about Ducks on the Schuylkill, when he joins us live this morning at 8:30 for "Ask the Mayor."
Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio
