The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) have released a NEPA Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to evaluate alternatives to improve the movement of goods in the region by enhancing the transportation of freight across New York Harbor. The Cross Harbor Freight Program (CHFP) DEIS evaluates both near-term and long-term improvements to the regional freight network, and some of the proposals involve use of freight cars on the rail tracks adjoining our neighborhood, with a probability of "severe" increases in noise levels. This public hearing will provide an opportunity for the public and agencies to comment on and provide input on the DEIS. 

The DEIS is available to download at www.crossharborstudy.com. Hardcopies are located at numerous repositories throughout the region. A complete list of repositories can be found on the project website.    

Your comments are encouraged and may be provided in writing either at the public hearing or by mail to Cross Harbor Freight Program, c/o InGroup, Inc., PO Box 206 Midland Park, NJ 07432 or via email to [email protected].  The public comment period will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on February 27, 2015. 

All public hearing dates, times and locations are subject to change due to inclement weather conditions. An informational recording regarding any change in the hearing schedule will be available at (201) 820-2170 at least two hours before the scheduled start time of the hearing.    

The public hearings are accessible to people who are mobility impaired. Sign language interpreter services or other translation services are available, upon advance request. To make arrangements for such services, please contact the Port Authority's outreach consultant at (201) 612-1230 or via email at [email protected] no later than three (3) days before the hearing for which the services are being requested.   

For more information about the Cross Harbor Freight Program or to download a copy of the DEIS document, please visit the project website at www.crossharborstudy.com.