Patricia Doxsey reports in The Daily Freeman that on Sept. 20 the Ulster County Legislature voted 18-0 to oppose a proposal to establish anchoring sites on the Hudson River for large vessels. Five legislators were absent for the vote, and the resolution is just a show of opinion. The Coast Guard is proposing ten anchoring sites from Kingston and Rhinebeck to just north of New York City at the request of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ Tug and Barge Committee, the Hudson River Port Pilots Association, and the American Waterways Operators. The Coast Guard said the anchorage grounds, “may improve navigation safety along an extended portion of the Hudson River, which currently has no anchorage grounds, allowing for a safer and more efficient flow of vessel traffic.” Opponents don't want to block the viewshed with barges, and worry that the number of vessels carrying Bakken crude oil along the river would increase if the proposal is approved. Ulster County Legislature Chairman Ken Ronk has asked for a public hearing locally, and he said the Coast Guard told Ronk they will “consider” his request. The Coast Guard recently extended the public comment period on the anchorage proposal from Sept. 7 to Dec. 6. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.