NEW YORK - The New York League of Conservation Voters, the nonpartisan voice for New York's environmental community, applauded Council Speaker Christine Quinn for her proposal to create year-round, five-borough ferry service in New York City, as outlined in her State of the City address today.

At present, residents living in many waterfront neighborhoods have to travel many blocks to reach the closest bus stop or subway station. Traveling between the boroughs almost always requires a lengthy and slow ride through Manhattan. In addition, the distance between many waterfront communities and the central business district makes it harder for residents to tap into the economic opportunities there.

"A fleet of energy-efficient, clean-fuel ferries is an excellent way to bridge the gaps in our mass transit system," said Marcia Bystryn, executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "A comprehensive system of ferries would create more transit options, relieve road congestion and save New Yorkers precious time. We salute Speaker Quinn, Mayor Bloomberg and the Department of Transportation for supporting this ambitious proposal, and we look forward to working with them to implement it."

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