High Speed Ferry Safety Task Force of Long Island Sound
Meeting of May 19, 2008

The HSFSTF of LIS met at the U.S. Coast Guard HQ in New Haven on May 19, 2008. Present were John Craine (FCCA), Co-Chairman, Lt. Eric Williams (U.S. Coast Guard), Bob Brill (U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary) Co-Chairman, Chuck Beck (CT DOT), and Sandy McDonald (FCCA). Chairman Craine opened the meeting at 1615.

Plans & Operations Update. There were no operators present. Subsequently Dick Sise from Cross Sound Ferry reported no change in plans for continued operation of their high speed and traditional ferries between New London and Orient Point. Chuck Beck reviewed the information he has received from John Anderson, from Chesapeake Bay, who is interested in establishing Hovercraft service on Long Island Sound. This would be for both passengers and freight. It would need only ramps for waterfront shore facilities and would be an all weather operation.

USCG Update. Mr. Brill reported on the Paddle Smart safe boating course the Milford US Coast Guard Auxiliary has created for kayakers. Unfortunately, their course has been poorly attended so far. The new kayak safe boating educational initiative of the US Power Squadrons was discussed.  Materials are in the process of being distributed to Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary units in Connecticut. A major question is how these will be presented to kayakers and canoers who largely operate individually, and do not belong to organized boating institutions. Lt. Williams reported that the new building at the US Coast Guard Sector HQ compound is almost finished and that the communications center is already in operation in that facility. The existing building will demolished when the relocation is complete.

Ferry Coalition Update. Mr. McDonald and Mr. Beck discussed the recent Ferry Coalition meeting where two consultants presented studies. The first was for a high speed ferry service from Bridgeport to Stamford to New York City and return. The second was for high speed ferry service from Stamford to New York City and back. The Bridgeport study was well presented, and seemed credible. However there are many questions about the viability of these businesses and the assumptions behind the studies. The next steps in both studies are to firm up the on-shore facility assumptions and to find operators that may have an interest in this business.

CT Maritime Commission Update. Mr. Beck described the work of the CT Maritime Commission with a focus on their dredging issues. This year, the CT. legislature has passed a law (PA 08-101) to give the Commission authority to prioritize state dredging projects. No funds were included in this but when the projects are analyzed and presented as essential for state backing, it is anticipated that some state funding will be available. Ultimately, all state dredging projects will be considered for some funding and categorized into three levels; small, medium, and large harbor dredging projects. In the overall scheme, the DEP and DOT regulate and the Maritime Commission will manage projects as an advocate. Mr. Beck also reported on the progress the DMMP has made. The Army Corps of Engineers has funding for $5.5 million for this essential project to try to develop economic alternatives to dredge disposal in the Sound. There will be a new survey of LIS future coastal dredging needs. Letters to all coastal towns and facilities on this are expected to be sent by the end of June.

The next meeting of the High Speed Ferry Safety Task Force of LIS will be Monday, 10/20/2008.

Respectfully submitted, Sandy McDonald, Secretary