Res. No. 1083
Resolution calling on the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to pass H.R. 1879 and S.980 entitled "The United States Ferry System Investment Act," which would increase funding to the federal Ferry Boat Discretionary Grant Program.
By Council Members Nelson, Chin, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Lander, Rose, Williams, Mendez, Vacca and Ulrich
Whereas, In New York City, the Staten Island Ferry provides an essential connection between the boroughs of Staten Island and Manhattan, carrying over 21 million passengers per year; and
Whereas, An additional 10 million passengers use privately operated ferry services to commute between New York and New Jersey; and
Whereas, Privately operated ferry services also provide limited service within the five boroughs of New York City, including the existing commuter service along the East River and formerly provided service between the Rockaways and Lower Manhattan; and
Whereas, The development of parkland along the waterfront, including but not limited to, Baretto Point Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Governor's Island, Harlem Piers, Hudson River Park and Randall's Island, potentially creates a demand for ferry service to and from these locations; and
Whereas, According to a study released by the New York Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), New York City has roughly 43 waterfront sites with the potential for commuter ferry service; and
Whereas, Existing federal grant programs do not provide much funding for the provision of ferry service; and
Whereas, In 2009 the Ferry Boat Discretionary Grant Program provided $67 million to ferry systems nationwide; and
Whereas, Currently there are two companion bills pending in Congress, H.R. 1879 and S.980, both entitled the United States Ferry System Investment Act of 2011; and
Whereas, These bills would increase funding to the Ferry Boat Discretionary Grant Program, which under the proposed legislation, could distribute grant money in the amount of $1.2 billion over a six year period; and
Whereas, Under the proposed legislation, these grants would cover up to 80 percent of the capital expenditures for ferry vessels, terminals and other shore side infrastructure; and
Whereas, An expanded ferry service network could further assist the development of New York City's waterfront and complement the region's transportation network; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to pass H.R. 1879 and S.980 entitled "The United States Ferry System Investment Act," which would increase funding to the federal Ferry Boat Discretionary Grant Program.
NL
LS #2734
September 16, 2011
1:33pm