U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) today announced $456,664 in federal funding for marine infrastructure renovations in Brooklyn, New York. The funding was administered through the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Maritime Administration Agency (MARAD) as part of the America’s Marine Highway Grants program. Specifically, this funding will be used to purchase efficient, low emission equipment to support barge operations in Newtown Creek and Brooklyn’s Red Hook Container Terminal.
“It’s important that we maintain and continue to invest in New York City’s marine infrastructure to support our economy through port jobs and the efficient transportation of goods on our waterways,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to deliver this federal funding for Newtown Creek and Brooklyn’s Red Hook Container Terminal to increase the shipping connectivity in the region and to provide more sustainable equipment for cost-effective port operations.”
“Investing in New York’s port infrastructure will strengthen our marine transportation network, reduce congestion and pollution, and create new economic opportunities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will help New York City increase capacity to accommodate barge transportation, serving as a catalyst for job creation and establishing New York’s ports and harbors as marine highway hubs. I will continue fighting for resources needed to modernize New York’s port facilities and reduce emissions and truck traffic in the New York region.”
“This federal investment to strengthen New York City’s marine infrastructure will improve the way we move goods throughout our region, spur job growth, and reduce carbon emissions,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). “The Red Hook Container Terminal is an important economic engine for New York City, and vital to our region’s overall shipping capacity. I’m proud to deliver this federal support for a cleaner, modernized Brooklyn Port.”
The U.S. Coastal Service received $308,000 to build cost-effective ports for barge services connecting Kearny Point, New Jersey to Newton Creek, New York. This funding will help establish the New York Harbor as a marine highway hub.
The Red Hook Container Terminal in Brooklyn, New York received $148,664 to purchase low-emission yard tractors that reduce diesel emission, cargo delays, and operating costs associated with barge services.