NEWS |
141-98: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , October 8, 1998
“New York’s newest port, Howland Hook, has created over 350 meaningful jobs for Staten Island, with ripple effects for business throughout the region,” Governor Pataki said. “The $23 million of new investment I am announcing today will ensure that this port continues to grow and to support New York’s historic role as the East Coast’s leading global port.”
The money will fund projects to increase the port’s capacity, including:
an estimated $15 million to connect the newly rehabilitated Staten Island Rail Road to a major freight rail line that runs along the so-called “Chemical Coast” in Northern New Jersey. The change will make Howland Hook a convenient transfer point for cargo destined for the Midwest and Canada by rail;
$7 million to expand the container yard, increasing the terminal’s capacity by some 15,000 to 20,000 containers;
$1.2 million to refurbish a container crane.
When the “Chemical Coast Connector” project is completed in about two years, trains will be able to deliver or pick up cargo from Howland Hook, traverse the newly repaired Arthur Kill Lift Bridge and connect with rail lines linking up with the whole North American continent.
“A little more than two years ago, Howland Hook Marine Terminal was literally dead in the water,” Governor. Pataki said. “Its previous tenant, U.S. Lines, went out of business in 1986, and the terminal sat empty for years. But we had a vision of a thriving container port, creating jobs and business for Staten Island and the surrounding region. Now, we are seeing the fruits of our work – literally -- with the banana shipment coming in today.”
New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani said, “In a few short years, Howland Hook Marine Terminal has become a thriving facility in the Port of New York. The investment announced by Governor Pataki today will ensure the continued success of the revitalization of the Port of New York.”
As a result of Governor Pataki’s efforts in cooperation with the City, the Port Authority and Borough President Guy V. Molinari, Howland Hook reopened in the fall of 1996. In just two years’ time, the number of jobs went from zero to over 350, contributing over $22 million in direct and indirect wages.
“Staten Island leads the City in economic growth, and Howland Hook’s revitalization is one of the Borough’s most dramatic success stories,” Borough President Guy V. Molinari said. “We owe a debt of thanks to Governor Pataki for his outstanding support of positive economic activities, reversing a sad trend in previous years when New York practically chased businesses away. Howland Hook is a shining example of Staten Island’s potential as a magnet for jobs and a center of business activity.”
Senator John Marchi said, “The announcement by the Governor today confirms his commitment for economic improvement to Staten Island and New York State. He continues to be one of the best friends Staten Island has ever had.”
Assemblyman Robert Straniere said, “Governor Pataki’s announcement of a $23 million investment in the Howland Hook Container Terminal is an acknowledgement of the important progress already made in Staten Island’s promise and potential as a viable option for the shipping industry in the Port of New York and New Jersey. The re-establishment of the rail link with the mainland of the United States will certainly make Howland Hook an even more attractive alternative as the port of call to many shipping concerns, consequently increasing the capacity of the Port of New York and New Jersey as a whole.”
The marine terminal accounts for 10 percent of the total container volume for the entire Port of New York and New Jersey -- and that number is growing. The total economic effect of all this cargo coming through Staten Island is estimated at nearly $1 billion. Benefits are felt by business people throughout the region, including truckers, import-export businesses, and warehouses.
Port Authority Executive Director Robert E. Boyle said, “We’re proud of the growth of Howland Hook. But there is much more work to do. We must continue to invest in this facility to ensure Howland Hook’s ability to meet the growing demand of its customers and carriers.
“We estimate that cargo volumes at the Port of New York will double within 15 years and triple by 2025. In order to be ready for all that cargo and the huge economic benefits it brings, the Port Authority is working on a comprehensive study to help us determine where, when and how much to invest to make sure that the Port of New York and New Jersey is ready to handle the demand.”
Strategically located near the Goethals Bridge, the Howland Hook Marine Terminal occupies a 187-acre site readily accessible to major truck routes, and will soon be connected to the North American rail network via the revitalized Staten Island Rail Road. The terminal reopened in 1996 under the supervision of Howland Hook Marine Terminal, Inc., a private terminal operator. In 1998 the terminal is expected to handle more than 150,000 containers of cargo. Port Authority investment to date in the facility is more than $55 million.
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