For Immediate Release: November 20, 2009
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency issued a letter advising no adverse impact on November 17 in response to a NYS Department of Transportation project notification letter for the temporary ferry service planned across Lake Champlain between Crown Point, NY and Addison, VT. The proposed project which also involves an access road and ferry dock will establish a vital temporary transportation route across Lake Champlain while construction of a new bridge is planned.
Governor Paterson said, I have directed all involved State agencies to work diligently to address the disruptions caused by the closure of the Lake Champlain Bridge. It is critical that the temporary year-round ferry service is established near the bridge so that life in this corridor can return to normal as quickly as possible for the commuters, businesses and emergency service vehicles that rely on this crossing each day."
APA Executive Director Terry Martino said, The Adirondack Park Agency mobilized staff to effectively respond to Governor Patersons emergency declaration Executive Order to take all appropriate actions to protect public health and safety and ensure this critically important project moves forward in an expeditious timeframe.
Agency staff responded to Governor Patersons Executive Order by attending an on-site meeting with involved New York and Vermont state agencies on October 30. During this meeting staff participated in discussions about establishing a temporary ferry service. Subsequent meetings were held on November 4 to review archeological and state land issues followed by an APA site visit on November 5 where determinations were made that no deep water wetlands were located in the proposed project site.
The APA fully understands the significant hardship facing those who rely on the Lake Champlain Bridge, said APA Executive Director Martino. We are working in partnership with all involved federal, state and local agencies to make certain Governor Patersons goal to establish a temporary ferry service quickly and in an area that best serves the communities affected is realized.
The Agency received DOTs notice of intent letter on November 12 for plans to undertake the construction of a temporary ferry service to provide access across Lake Champlain while the bridge is demolished and ultimately replaced. The agency reviewed the notice of intent and issued a letter of no adverse impact on November 17. The Agency will continue to work closely with NYS DOT and other involved agencies as the project evolves.
"This project is being fast-tracked so that we can reestablish a safe and viable connection between New York and Vermont as quickly as possible and relieve some of the hardship created by our need to close the bridge," said Acting NYSDOT Commissioner Stanley Gee. "While safety is first, we are very aware that closure has disrupted the lives of those who depended on the bridge in their daily lives. The new temporary ferry service is vitally important, and we are grateful to Governor Paterson for his leadership, and the APA as well as the many federal, state and local partners for their collaborative efforts to help move the project forward."
The mission of the Adirondack Park Agency is to protect the public and private resources of the Adirondack Park through the exercise of the powers and duties of the Agency as provided by law. With its headquarters located in Ray Brook, the Agency also operates two Visitor Interpretive Centers, in Newcomb and Paul Smiths. For more information, call the APA at (518) 891-4050 or visit www.apa.state.ny.us.
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