As the government assesses how to protect the shorelines around New York City from future storm surges, we must be sure to protect the environmental and economic health of the entire Hudson River estuary for generations to come.

What’s the plan?

Responding to concerns raised after damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 — and the increased likelihood of future extreme weather events — the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) began evaluating proposals to protect shorelines along the Hudson River and New York-New Jersey Harbor against severe flooding. 

They include relying on ongoing and/or existing projects, constructing floodwalls and levees along the river, and erecting a five-mile-wide barrier across the harbor’s outlet into the Atlantic Ocean that would choke off the estuary’s tidal flow and prevent fish migration. 

Eventually, the ACOE will choose two or more alternatives for further study. Initially, it planned to select these based solely on economic considerations. Following strong public opposition — spearheaded in part by Scenic Hudson — the ACOE now says it will factor in environmental concerns in the upper Hudson River. It hopes to make a final recommendation to Congress by 2022.

What’s at stake?

Most of the proposed alternatives would:

• Dramatically — and permanently — harm the Hudson River ecosystem, arguably the East Coast’s most productive estuary
• Do nothing to address the ongoing and long-term damage caused by sea level rise
• Undermine the $15.7-billion federal investment to improve shoreline resiliency following Sandy
• Be costly — estimates range from $14.8 billion to $118.8 billion
• Impact every riverfront community from New York City to Troy
• Undo decades of work to restore the river’s aquatic habitats

Only alternatives that address sea level rise as well as storm surge — and incorporate natural protective features — should be advanced for future study. Furthermore, the chosen plan must safeguard the Hudson estuary’s globally important habitats and species and support ongoing efforts to restore them.

How can I get involved?

Subscribe to Scenic Hudson’s email list to receive updates and learn about ways you can weigh in on the ACOE’s future actions:

Success Stories

Hudson River Barge Anchorages

Preserving water quality and habitats, the U.S. Coast Guard abandoned plans for 10 new “parking lots” for vessels carrying hazardous substances. We mobilized thousands of community members to fight the proposal. 2018

Expanded Crude Oil Operations (Albany)

Decreasing the likelihood of hazardous spills and health threats in local neighborhoods, Global Partners decided not to build new crude oil facilities. We partnered in opposing the expanded operations. 2018

Pilgrim Pipelines (Hudson Valley)

We engaged citizens and communities to oppose this proposal to construct two crude oil pipelines through the valley. The outcry against the project led to its abandonment, halting potential environmental, public health and safety threats. 2017

Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant (Buchanan)

Ending the harm it causes aquatic wildlife and public safety, New York State and plant owner Entergy agreed to close this outdated facility by 2021 — ending our decades-long campaign to shut it down. 2017

Desalination Plant (Haverstraw)

Our six-year campaign to halt construction of an environmentally harmful desalination plant on Haverstraw Bay — site of some of the river’s most important aquatic habitats — ended in victory when plans to build the facility were dropped. 2015

LG Headquarters (Englewood, New Jersey)

In a “win-win” for the environment and the economy, LG Electronics reached an agreement with us and partners to reduce the height of its proposed corporate tower atop the Palisades, preserving magnificent views and keeping jobs in the region. 2015

St. Lawrence Cement Plant (Hudson)

Preserving air quality and iconic views from Olana, NYS rejected plans to erect this 20-building manufacturing complex resulting from our grassroots campaign to stop its construction. 2005

Riverfront Towers (Yonkers)

Securing public riverfront access and preserved downtown Palisades views resulted from a settlement we brokered to stop construction of a wall of 38-story towers along the city’s waterfront. 1989

Sloop Hill (New Windsor)

Preserving a prominently visible river promontory and prime bald eagle habitat, NYS acquired 100 acres slated for a 530-unit condominium. Scenic Hudson played a lead role in securing the land’s protection. 1988

Storm King Mountain (Cornwall)

Conserving the iconic northern gateway to the Hudson Highlands, Con Edison agreed not to build a destructive hydroelectric plant. Scenic Hudson was established to protect the mountain and led the successful 17-year campaign. 1980