Riverkeeper: If the Coast Guard decides to move forward with a formal proposal for new anchorage grounds on the Hudson River, we will be ready.

Hudson Valley communities from Yonkers to Newburgh to Kingston spoke out with a unified voice in opposition to the maritime industry’s proposal for 43 new berths in 10 locations along the river. During a 6-month comment period held by the Coast Guard as part of its “advance rulemaking” process, the response was unprecedented.

Here are some of the results:

• Over 10,000 comments submitted to the Coast Guard.
• Additional time granted for the public to speak out on the proposal. (Original September 7 deadline extended to December 6, 2016.)
• At least 34 local resolutions passed. (Please alert us if you know of additional resolutions not included on this list.)
• Over 1.5 million constituents represented by letters and resolutions from county and municipal governments.
• Critical comments submitted jointly by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of State.
• 39-page comment letter submitted by Riverkeeper, saying any formal proposal for anchorage grounds in the Hudson must undergo a comprehensive environmental review, including extended comment periods and public hearings in every affected county.
• Petitions circulated by the Hudson River Waterfront Alliance and state Sen. Terrence Murphy, engaging thousands of citizens.
• A compelling mini-documentary, “Anchors Away,” by National Geographic filmmaker Jon Bowermaster as part of his ongoing series, “The Hudson: A River at Risk.”
• Numerous editorials, including The New York Times’ “No Parking on the Hudson” and the more recent editorial with the same headline in the Albany Times Union. For a larger roundup of editorials, op-eds, letters to the editor and articles visit HudsonRiverAnchorages.org and the Hudson River Waterfront Alliance page.

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