Letter to Deputy Administrator Henrickson - Don't Claw-Back LI Fed Funds & Don't Needlessly Sink Glen Cove Ferry

Letter

Dear Deputy Administrator Hendrickson:

I write to urge you to extend the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) January 1st, 2019 deadline for "Glen Cove Ferry Terminal Improvements. This important project will establish a ferry service from the City of Glen Cove (City) into Manhattan to provide a quick and affordable option for commuters, and to alleviate stress on Long Island's severely overburdened public transportation infrastructure. Moreover, a successful project of this magnitude could serve as a benchmark for other cities looking to undertake a similar effort to mitigate strain on local transportation options.

In 2004, the City of Glen Cove was awarded $16.6 million in federal grants for the building of a ferry terminal and dredging of Glen Cove Creek for the purpose of establishing a ferry service from the North Shore of Long Island to Midtown Manhattan. This process has been a long and complicated undertaking for the City, as the successful establishment of a ferry system requires meticulous planning and careful consideration, particularly in establishing a long-term financial plan that maintains an affordable rate for commuters.

While the City has made great progress, the current January 1st, 2019 deadline for the service to begin is unreasonable and additional time is needed to ensure that this new service will be a success. It's come to my attention that FHWA could attempt to "claw-back' federal funds if the service does not begin by this deadline. I strongly urge you to avoid that situation and instead extend the January 1st, 2019 deadline to give this community additional time to complete this important project.

It is important and most cost-effective to allow Glen Cove to get this project right the first time. Should you need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

--Charles E. Schumer

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