The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, continues working with partners to strategically deliver innovative solutions and maintain proactive partnerships advancing the region’s vision of a world class Harbor Estuary.
New York District routinely collaborates with other federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions on projects and studies focused on restoring the environment, reducing risk from coastal storms and flooding, and ensuring safe water navigation.
PARTNERSHIP ON THE WATER
Such a collaboration was exhibited September 25 when the District held its 10th Annual Partner Harbor Inspection aboard the Army Corps vessel DCV HAYWARD.
Launched a decade ago, this large-scale strategic engagement has been hosted by the District commander to celebrate achievements and successes. Col. Thomas Asbery executed this year's successful event, with Programs and Project Management Division involved in the intricate planning, concept and coordination in concert with Operations and support staff.
This was the largest number of agencies that have ever participated in an inspection (41), and also reaching the milestone of 1,000 persons participating from the 10 harbor inspections combined. Those in attendance included Army Corps leadership from North Atlantic Division and New York District, along with federal, state and City officials and non-governmental organizations.
FULL-DAY EVENT
The HAYWARD crew maneuvered the vessel during the day-long event, traveling south along the Hudson River into New York Harbor and continuing south around the borough of Staten Island, NYC and in the Raritan Bay, and north along the Arthur Kill Federal Navigation Channel into Newark Bay and along the Kill Van Kull Federal Navigation Channel which flows between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey.
Various projects and studies were discussed along the route as well as the importance of sustainability.
NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY HARBOR
The New York and New Jersey Harbor Estuary is a complex ecological system in a major metropolitan area that includes rivers, wetlands, coastline, and open waters spanning more than 1,600 square miles across New York and New Jersey. With partners seated on the bow, Asbery made introductory remarks about the importance of our partnerships as the HAYWARD traveled along the waterfront.
DISTRICT PROJECTS
New York District staff highlighted progress on civil works projects along the route as well as projects in Jamaica Bay, NY, and other watersheds (a land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams and rivers, and eventually to outflow points such as reservoirs, bays and the ocean.)
PROJECTS & STUDIES
Projects and studies of interest included coastal storm risk management projects along the south shore of Staten Island and within the tidal portion of the Passaic River, New Jersey; the New York and New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries CSRM Study; ecosystem restoration studies; projects within the Hudson Raritan Estuary, including Jamaica Bay and the Hudson; and future studies of navigation improvements in the Harbor and anchorages.
PARTNERS’ PARTICIPATION
Representatives from various agencies presented overviews about their respective missions, programs and studies such as Rebuild by Design, a collaborative effort focused on assisting cities and communities to build resilience; restoration activities; resiliency programs; port planning; and ongoing Superfund efforts. Comments highlighted accomplishments, future partnering and ways to continue working collaboratively.
COLLABORATION
Partners spoke about the collaboration leading to many successful projects to ensure environmental efforts meet the needs of the public. Asbery elaborated about the importance of partnerships and thanked participants for their continued support. Working together through strong partnerships and leveraging programs and resources is critical to achieve goals for a world class Harbor Estuary and ensure continued success.
While aboard the HAYWARD, Col. Asbery emphasized the importance of the strategic engagement partnership and said in his closing remarks that, "It was a pleasure to host you aboard our vessel DCV HAYWARD, on New York District's annual Partner's Harbor Inspection. I hope you found your time interacting with District personnel and partner agencies to be educational and informative, as we strive to solve the Nation's toughest challenges and strengthen our relationship."