Meeks Statement on the Extension of The Rockaway Ferry Service

Meeks Statement on the Extension of The Rockaway Ferry Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Thursday, August 29, 2013-- Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement on his support to permanently extend the Rockaway Ferry Service:

“For the last ten months since Super Storm Sandy struck the Rockaway Peninsula, residents and businesses have struggled to rebuild their homes, businesses, and restore services. The Rockaway Ferry has been and still continues to be vital to the Peninsula’s recovery.”

“While I am please to hear the news that the service has been extended through January 2014, I firmly believe that this necessary and essential part of life for many Rockaway residents should be extended permanently and I will continue to work towards that end. The Rockaway Ferry Service will ensure that residents continue to have an additional option for getting back and forth to work, shopping, sight-seeing, and visiting friends and family in the other boroughs. This will also provide other New Yorkers as well as out-of-town visitors a scenic way to visit the Peninsula’s great beaches, terrific restaurants, and notable landmarks. Experience proves that there is a strong demand for ferry service and that it contributes to the economic revitalization and job creation on the Peninsula.

“I am in conversation with Mayor Bloomberg and Kyle Kimball, president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the agency which oversees the ferry service, and will continually urge them to permanently extend the daily Rockaway Ferry Service.” [End]