U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks and NYCEDC Announce Study for Additional Ferry Infrastructure on Rockaway Peninsula
U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks and NYCEDC Announce Study for Additional Ferry Infrastructure on Rockaway Peninsula
WASHINGTON, D.C. – New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and Congressman Gregory W. Meeks today announced next steps to bring ferry infrastructure to Far Rockaway, potentially locating a ferry terminal west of Beach 84th Street:
"NYCEDC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to study the feasibility, ridership potential, and level of community interest in ferry terminal locations in the Rockaways. The consultant will also determine the upland improvements necessary to construct a ferry terminal. The funding for this study and the construction of the ferry terminal is a result of a $15 million federal earmark from the Congress in 2005. The funding will be utilized for this project due to the tireless advocacy of Congressman Meeks, who along with NYCEDC sought to expand infrastructure in the neighborhood and include maximum community input in the process.
“I welcome the announcement of a Request for Proposal (RFP) by Mayor de Blasio and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, which signals the early stages of finally welcoming back the Rockaway Ferry to our communities,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). “It has been a little over a year since the last ferry left the Rockaways bound for Manhattan and our communities know first-hand what a successful ferry service can mean for expanded job opportunities off the peninsula and reduced congestion and commute times. I have long advocated for the permanent extension of the Rockaway Ferry system and believe that this essential travel option will ensure that all residents have an additional option for getting back and forth to work, shopping, sight-seeing, and visiting friends and family in other boroughs. This will also provide other New Yorkers and tourists a scenic way to visit the Peninsula’s beaches and notable landmarks.” Congressman Meeks continued, “I thank Mayor de Blasio for his continued efforts on this matter and will continue to work with his administration to make the permanent Rockaway Ferry system a reality.”
"Ferry service is a critical transportation link for the people of the Rockaways, and this additional infrastructure could bring even more access and opportunity to local residents," said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. “Thank you to Congress Member Meeks for his advocacy in ensuring that these funds were put to use in direct response to the needs of this community."
“From the east end to the west, families in Rockaway suffer from some of the longest commutes in the entire city. Making ferry service available to as many commuters as possible will give our families equal access to transit and ensure the success of the citywide ferry plan. I commend Congressman Meeks for leading the fight to secure additional ferry infrastructure in Rockaway and I look forward to partnering with the Congressman on providing our families with the service they need and deserve,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.
"As the City works to relaunch the Rockaway Ferry in 2017, it is important to remember that this initiative can only be successful if the credible operator has the proper resources. The establishment of additional ferry terminals, particularly on the west end of the peninsula, would serve as much-needed transportation hubs for communities that have historically been ignored by public transportation programs. It is time for us to see adequate transit options in Rockaway once and for all, and this study is one step closer to making that a reality. I thank Congressman Meeks and NYCEDC for their vision and commitment to making the Rockaway Ferry a success for years to come," said Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach).
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it became abundantly clear how badly Rockaway needs as many transportation options as possible and the upcoming ferry service is one piece to solving the transit issues on the peninsula,” said Council Member Donovan Richards (D-Far Rockaway). “I look forward to seeing the results of this study since adding an additional ferry terminal near Beach 84th Street would greatly increase ridership, specifically for my residents on the eastern end of the Rockaways. I’d like to thank Congress Member Meeks for securing the funding to ensure that this study comes to fruition.”
"In addition to a planning and feasibility study, the selected consultant will develop a preliminary design and rendering of the ferry terminal, procure all necessary permitting, and provide oversight during the eventual construction process to ensure that the project is successfully constructed in accordance with the design.
"This new ferry infrastructure is intended to complement Citywide Ferry Service, which is set to launch in 2017 from Beach 108th Street. Announced by Mayor de Blasio during his State of the City address in 2015, Citywide Ferry Service will connect all five boroughs via the waterways, drastically expanding a resilient and equitable transportation system, and supporting housing development, job creation and neighborhood growth by connecting new innovation clusters and emerging commercial communities with each other."
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