Overview

• The Economic Development Corporation expects to award a contract and clear the decommissioned Vernon C. Bain jail barge within 60–90 days
• The proposed Hunts Point Marine Terminal is projected to create 400 construction jobs, 100 permanent positions and drive $3.9 billion in economic impact over 30 years
• City officials estimate shifting freight onto barges will cut about 9,000 truck trips per month and improve air quality in the South Bronx
• The initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s 'blue highway' strategy and includes a $28 million investment to extend waterfront bike paths
• Jail reform advocates praised the barge’s removal and are calling on the city to accelerate closure of the remaining Rikers Island facilities