NEWARK, NJ – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) announced they were successful in helping to stop the proposed installation of a mooring buoy for commercial barges in the Hudson River just north of Ellis Island and east of Liberty State Park, just one day after  urging the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) to consider the probable adverse impacts of the project. The Army Corps has confirmed that the shipping company intends to withdraw their application for the Jersey City project, which has widely been denounced by local officials and advocates. 

"I applaud New York State Marine Highway Transportation for listening to New Jerseyans and withdrawing their proposal to moor barges next to Liberty State Park and Ellis Island,” said Sen. Booker. “This is a positive result that helps preserve the tremendous historical, aesthetic, and cultural integrity of these sites. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are beacons of hope, freedom, and opportunity to the entire world. Allowing barges to moor in the surrounding waters would diminish the power of these American symbols.”

“I’m glad that New York State Marine Highway Transportation has reconsidered its ill-advised plan to moor barges near Liberty State Park and Ellis Island,” said Sen. Menendez.  “I have stood up time and time again to protect the beauty and history of Liberty State Park and Ellis Island and will continue to stand with New Jerseyans to preserve this national treasure."  

In a letter to Col. David Caldwell, the Commander of Army Corp’s New York District, Booker and Menendez cited the potential impact the project could have on tourism, water quality, and the historic, cultural and aesthetic significance of Liberty State Park.  According to an Army Corps public notice, the mooring buoy would have accommodated a configuration of up to five barges, each measuring 195-feet by 35-feet.