Slaughter Announces Repairs to Charlotte Pier in time for Ferry Launch and Summer Fest

Congresswoman Swings into Action by Securing Funding to Repair Cables on Pier

Washington, DC - Acting on concerns raised by Monroe County Legislator Fred Amato, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport) has secured assurances from the Army Corps of Engineers that needed repairs to the cable railings along the western pier in Charlotte will be completed by June 15.

Prompted by a conversation with a local resident, Amato alerted Rep. Slaughter that approximately 25 percent of the cables are damaged, missing, or rusted through which jeopardizes pedestrian safety.  Thousands of people are expected for the upcoming Fast Ferry launch on June 17^th and the Summer Fest from June 24^th-26, heightening the need to improve safety for the public.

In response, Rep. Slaughter contacted the Army Corps of Engineers regional office to request they repair the railings quickly.  Within a day, Army Corps officials confirmed the agency had the authority and responsibility to undertake the repairs.  The Corps committed to dispatching crewmembers to Charlotte by June 15 to make the repairs and string new cable as needed.

Upon learning about the Corps' repairs, Amato said, "I truly appreciate Congresswoman Slaughter's swift action on behalf of me and my constituents.  The damaged railings presented a real danger, particularly considering the people who will flood the pier to view the Harbor Fest's evening fireworks display.  This is a great example of the community, County, and Federal Government working together effectively."

Rep. Slaughter said, "I'm relieved that this safety hazard will be remedied in short order.  I have secured close to $30 million dollars to create the Port of Rochester area into a recreational and economic resource.  It would have been unconscionable if any of the throngs of people who now head to the area were injured or fell into the water because of the damaged railing."