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Schumer, Clinton Announce Key Senate Panel Backs $500,000 For Haverstraw

Senators Aggressively Lobbied Senate Appropriations Committee To Include Funding In Spending BillProjects Will Improve Facilities for Commuters in Rockland County


U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to approve later today $500,000 for Haverstraw Ferry Terminal Improvements under the FY07 Appropriations Bill for Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development. Schumer and Clinton had aggressively lobbied members of the Appropriations Committee to include funding for the project in this years spending bill.

This is great news for the Rockland County commuters because the Haverstraw ferry has already been such a great success, Schumer said. With rising gas prices reaching new heights, providing improved public transportation is essential. These facilities will make the ferry service more accessible and attractive to potential passengers, something that is especially important with the expansion of service from Haverstraw in the near future.

Rockland County is a wonderful place to live but we need to make it easier for residents to get into New York City and beyond. These funds are a big boost for Rockland County residents. These commuter ferries are a great way to reduce pressure on our roads as well as reducing travel time and stress for Rockland County commuters, Senator Clinton said.

Funding for the project will allow for improvements on the Haverstraw Ferry Terminal located in Rockland County. The terminal currently serves the ferry that travels between Haverstraw and Ossining. Starting in 2007, the terminal will also offer service from Haverstraw to Yonkers to Lower Manhattan. Terminal improvements and expanded service are likely to draw in more potential passengers, including commuters to and from Manhattan. Improved ferry service and facilities will encourage increased use of public transportation as well as increased economic development in the region.

Later today, the Appropriations Bill for Transportation, Treasure, the Judiciary, Housing, and Urban Development is expected to pass the Appropriations Committee and will head to the floor for a full vote before the Senate. The bill will then proceed to the Conference Committee and finally will be sent to the President before becoming law.