Boat U.S.: New York Harbor commercial marine interests have asked the US Coast Guard to consider 10 commercial vessel anchorages on the Hudson River from Yonkers to Kingston. If approved, the anchorages, totaling more than 2,400 acres, would allow for storage of up to 43 articulated barges carrying Bakken oil between Albany and New York Harbor. The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) encourages Hudson River boaters to let their voices be heard on the proposal by submitting comments to the US Coast Guard at http://goo.gl/BrFBvc before September 7, 2016.

“We believe in a strong marine transportation system and recognize our country’s energy needs are important,” said BoatUS Government Affairs Manager David Kennedy. “However, we have concerns about the size and scope of the proposal that would site anchorages on waters heavily trafficked by recreational boaters as well as reduce the width and in some cases occupy the navigable channel for all vessels.”

Nine of the 10 anchorages are proposed to be long-term use, alarming environmental groups as well as BoatUS. “We are concerned they may unduly restrict recreational boaters’ freedom to navigate,” added Kennedy. There are 62 recreational boat marinas and community boat clubs and 13 recreational boat launch ramps that line the river from Yonkers to Kingston.  Read more.