Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro and Mayor Bloomberg unveil St. George ferry terminal fish tanks
Two giant tanks exhibiting 400 saltwater fish part of Molinaro’s ongoing tourism efforts
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro and Mayor Michael Bloomberg today were joined by Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, other agency heads, elected officials, and scores of delighted schoolchildren, curious commuters and tourists for the ceremonial unveiling of the St. George Ferry Terminal fish tanks.
As part of Molinaro’s ongoing tourism efforts, he has allocated $750,000 in capital funding for two eight-foot-tall saltwater tanks that will exhibit 400 colorful fish of varying sizes, and a state-of-the-art filtration system constructed below the main waiting room. Due to the fact that each fish tank weighs more than 10 tons, the terminal floor was reinforced with steel beams to provide the necessary support
Molinaro, who was inspired by similar fish tanks gracing the Sarasota, Florida airport terminal, said, “These aquariums will welcome tourists and commuters to our magnificent new terminal, Staten Island’s busiest travel hub. The tanks will exert a calming influence on harried commuters, and hopefully encourage tourists to visit the rest of the animals at our world-famous Staten Island Zoo and our other great attractions.”
Mayor Bloomberg said, “These beautiful tanks are destined to become a great new attraction on Staten Island – giving New Yorkers and tourists another reason for visiting this beautiful ferry terminal. With attractions like the Staten Island Zoo, the Staten Island Museum, and the recently-renovated St. George Theater, Staten Island has long been a dynamic cultural destination and these fish tanks will serve to enhance that.”
Commissioner Sadik-Khan said, “Staten Islanders are surrounded by water, and ferry commuters understand the serene beauty of New York Harbor. Adding to our rebuilt terminals and three new ferry boats, the 400 fish now add color, beauty, and movement to St. George while evoking our maritime culture. The Staten Island Ferry today is now more than ever one of the greatest commutes in all of New York.”
Mel Glickman, Executive Vice President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, said, “EDC is very pleased to have been able to play a major role in the renovation of the St. George Ferry Terminal and the installation of these amazing Fish Tanks. This is another great day for Staten Island residents and visitors made possible through the efforts of Borough President Jimmy Molinaro.”
The fish tanks will be maintained by the Staten Island Zoo, with maintenance sponsored by the Richmond County Savings Foundation.
To view a video of how the fish tanks operate, visit Borough President Molinaro’s homepage at www.StatenIslandUSA.com.
February 19, 2008