USCG
- Noted that Frank Fiumano had a heart attack on 26 DEC 2016, and is currently recovering.
- On behalf of Frank, Frank Gorman reported on several USCG-related harbor security issues.
- USCG/USN/NYPD/NJPD have been conducting a Harbor Underwater Security Assessment. We are awaiting receipt of the USN report.
- The Gotham Shield project involves USCG with Northcom and FEMA and will be conducting various security-related exercises. Currently scheduled are a 23 APR 2017 exercise modeling a 10KT IED at the mouth of the Lincoln Tunnel, and a 3 JUL 2017 scheduled exercise modeling various active shooter/small boat/people in the water scenarios.
- The Port And Waterway Safety Assessment report is under review by Sector NY and will be released to stakeholders after review is finalized.
- The Ellis Island proposed rulemaking public comment period has been extended for 60 days.
USACE
- The Port Authority of NY/NJ has initiated a request for the USACE to initiate a study to examine the feasibility to review anchorage capacity, turn easements; etc after the 50 ft harbor deepening project has been concluded. Bryce will be the USACE contact and Omar will be the PANY/NJ contact. There will stakeholder meetings convened to determine the scope of the study.
- The East River Ferry permits are awaiting input from NY State.
- The East Rockaway Inlet is more than 50% finished
- Abandoned/derelict pipelines are still being removed from the Arthur Kill. USACE will issue a new controlling depth report when work is finished.
- Eastchester Creek has obtained a dredging subsidy from the Empire State Development Corp. This industrial secondary channel must be dredged in order to maintain navigational capability. It was noted that the proper reporting of volumes transported on such waterways is essential to obtaining USACE dredging funding.
NOAA
- Darren Wright of COOPS, NOAA HQ office attended the HOPS Steering Cttee meeting and relayed info regarding NOAA activity in the harbor.
- Noted that a new air-gap sensor is being deployed on the upper level of the Bayonne Bridge. The currently deployed sensor on the lower level will be removed as the construction schedule allows.
- NOAA is aware of the pending request that NOAA do a complete current survey to “re-calibrate” data in the area impacted by the completion of the 50 ft channel deepening project. The most critical area is the KVK, and special emphasis must be made for the Bergen Point area, due to the turning requirements at that location.
- NOAA advises that a full current survey would take almost 3 years to initiate/complete, with needs for scoping, data collection/analysis.
- The stakeholders indicated that it is critical to obtain accurate, real-time current data in the Bergen Point area. The previously stationed current meter had been removed during the 50 ft project
- NOAA advised that it could take up to 1 year for NOAA to successfully go through their process to obtain/deploy a real-time current meter. Darren noted that additional funding would have to be forthcoming from the local PORTS sponsor (PANYNJ) in order to proceed, and that it could be faster/cheaper if a local sponsor (USACE or PANYNJ) would directly contract with installers.
- PANYNJ has evidenced an interest in evaluating making a direct installation contract, and a meeting will be initiated among pertinent stakeholders (NOAA/Oceanographers/Contractors/Pilots, etc) to explore requirements.
Tappan Zee Bridge
- The construction contractors working on the TZ Bridge have advised that they will NOT be making the West Channel available for navigation despite having previously confirming that the West Channel would be available as necessary, and NOAA having performed a survey to ensure navigational capacity.
- USACE and USCG (Bridges) will follow up to determine whether making the West Channel available for navigation was part of the permit.
- All TZ construction related closures are now available on HOMEPORT.
Passenger Vessel Sub-Cttee
- The sub-committee will meet on 5 Feb 2017 with an emphasis on the impact of Post-Inaugural river closures due to POTUS/Family movements. It is expected that there will be regular Fri/Sun closure periods involving movements to/from the Wall St heliport.