Charlotte-Essex Ferry Hearing (part 4)

Concerned residents of Vermont and New York held a public meeting on November 10 at 5:30pm at the Firehouse in Essex, New York to provide an opportunity for people in the community to show their support for reliable, year-round ferry service between Charlotte, Vermont and Essex, New York. The sudden closure of the ferry last winter severely impacted residents and businesses, and recent comments by the ferry operator, Lake Champlain Transportation (LCT), have renewed concerns about another closure this year.

The ripple effect of terminating ferry service, even briefly, is felt throughout communities on both sides of Lake Champlain. Ferry passengers depend upon the Charlotte-Essex crossing to get to jobs, doctors and hospitals, school, to move goods and services across the lake, and many other basic reasons.

LCT Operations Manager, Heather Stewart, recently explained to Essex resident Andy Buchanan that they hope to have the Gov. Aiken return to Essex by the end of December where it will remain in service, "ice conditions permitting." Stewart acknowledged that even a small amount of ice, especially in Charlotte Bay, will force them to stop operations as the Aiken is not winterized. According to Buchanan, Stewart stated categorically that LCT does not plan to move an icebreaker from either of their other routes despite the fact that they received a new ferry was received earlier this week.

The public hearing was called to foster constructive dialogue between LCT and the people and businesses that support and rely upon their ferry service. Although Stewart and LCT president Trey Pecor were invited to participate, they chose not to attend.

We are grateful to the 100-150 citizens who attended (and many who shared their stories); New York State Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R-Willsboro) who chaired the session; Essex Supervisor Sharon Boisen, Vermont House Legislator Diane Lanpher and newly appointed Willsboro Supervisor Edward Hatch who attended and participated; Andy Buchanan and Mac MacDevitt who helped organize the event; and Donna Paton who created the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=281159778291

Category:

News & Politics

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• Sharon Boisen
• Teresa Sayward
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