| March 18th, 2002 Re: New York Rail Cars for New York Waters
The Honorable George E. Pataki
Executive Chambers, State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
The "New York Rail Cars for New York Waters Coalition" membership consists of
25 New York organizations representing over 600 New York businesses and 800,000 New York
boaters, divers and fishermen. We are writing to request your support for the placement of
obsolete stainless steel Long Island Railroad cars on approved reef sites in New York
Waters (see attachment A). The recycling of these railroad cars into artificial reefs will
greatly enhance our marine environment by creating new habitat for marine life and pump
millions of dollars into the local economy, while meeting all health and safety standards.
Improving our marine environment
Artificial reefs are extremely prolific and they provide surface habitat for marine life,
bacteria, and other micro-algae. Artificial reefs create habitat for several species of
fish, crustaceans, mollusks and other marine life. Artificial reefs protect juvenile fish
from predation increasing the biomass and increase the food supply for fisheries. New York
marine coastal waters have mainly flat sandy bottoms that provide little if any natural
habitat for marine life. New York State has a very successful artificial reef program that
has greatly enhanced the health and abundance of our marine fisheries. The recycling of
these railroad cars, as artificial reef material will make a good program even better.
Adding millions to our economy
According to Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program, the annual economic return to
the local economy per railroad car would be $18,450. This results in a lifetime economic
return of $266 million based on a projected lifespan of 20 years for 720 cars (see
attachment B). Based upon the economic data, New York should make every effort to reap the
benefits of this economic potential for the benefit of local dependent communities within
the New York marine district.
Presently, other states such as Delaware, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia have
placed or agreed to accept cars for their enhancement of reef sites. The rail cars used by
these states originate and are transported from New York with all costs ($1.26 million)
being borne by New York taxpayers. Not only are we paying for these costs, we are also
missing out on Federal funding given to other states such as Delaware - $3.8 million (see
attachment C). The people of New York are paying for the economic benefits being realized
by these other states. In these times, New York cannot afford to lose out on this revenue
generator for our local communities.
Meeting Health and safety Standards
There have been some environmental issues regarding asbestos in the rail cars to be
recycled. These concerns have been addressed and cleared by the following federal
agencies:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE)
- U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
Mr. William Muir, lead investigator for the U.S. EPA has addressed these concerns and
approved as safe the use of these recycled railroad cars for placement on artificial reefs
(see attachment D).
We look forward to your support and thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We
await a timely and favorable response regarding this project. Please do not hesitate to
contact us if you have any questions or require additional information. As always, we
appreciate your time in evaluating our request.
Sincerely,
John Mantione Coalition Chair
New York Fishing Tackle Trades Association - 300 businesses, affiliates and families
New York Marine Trades Association - 200 businesses, 400,000 boaters
Freeport Tuna Club - 225 members
New York Sportfishing Federation
Coastal Conservation Association NY - 1500 members statewide, 75000 nationally
Recreational Fishing Alliance
Sunrise Divers The Dive Club - 35 dive shops, 35 dive charter boats, 36 clubs
Oakdale Sportsman Club
Eastern Dive Boat Association
Shinnecock Marlin & Tuna Club - 220 members
Long Island Divers Association
Gateway Striper Club - 20+ members
Moriches Anglers Club - 30+ members
Suffolk County Senior Citizens Fishing Club - 140 members
American Society of Oceanographers, Inc.
Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen, Inc.
Montauk Boatmen & Captains Association - 90 charter and party boats
Moriches Off-Shore Reef Fund
North Fork Captains Association - 16 Captains, 6000 anglers
Manhasset Bay Sportsmen Club - 225 members
Captree Boatmans Association - 25 boats, over 300,000 anglers
Long Island Beach Buggy Association - 2000 members
Babylon Tuna Club - 160+ members
Great South Bay Anglers
|
New York Rail-Cars for New
York Waters