$2.3M goes to Parks to remove derelict boats, debris from NYC waterways

SOCIETY $2.3M goes to Parks to remove derelict boats, debris from NYC waterways By BRIAN SHLONSKY Wednesday, July 29, 2026 9:12PM Brian Shlonsky reports from Queens. COLLEGE POINT, Queens (WABC) -- New York City's waterways are littered with hundreds of rusting and decaying boats and other kinds of debris.

Calling it 'cleaner coasts, safer shores,' Wednesday, NYC Parks announced $2.3 million in federal funds were granted to create a first-in-the-state program to clear abandoned boats and debris from waterways in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said the goal is to reduce public safety risks and prevent environmental contamination caused by the waste.

"Derelict vessels and other debris make our waterways dangerous for both humans and marine life. Abandoned boats create public safety risks for boaters, and our water could become contaminated with microplastics and oil," Shimamura said during a press conference at College Point on Wednesday. "In the past two years, our Office of Marine Debris and Vessel Surrendering has removed over 500 tons of abandoned boats and debris from our waterways.

Thanks to this generous award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, otherwise known as NOAA, we are removing an additional 1 million pounds of debris."

Shimamura was joined at the press conference by Congresswoman for NY-14 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her office helped to secure the funds for this next round of cleanup.

"For years, community members and advocates have approached our office about these abandoned vessels and the eyesore that they add to College Point," the congresswoman said. "These vessels are not just unfortunate to look at. They pose serious risks to our community safety and the marine life we all depend on. When these boats decay, oil, rust and fiberglass break off in our waterways."

Locals, like Williamsburg Yacht Club's Bill Peponakis, have seen junk boats litter the College Point area for years.

"I remember my grandparents telling me, in Astoria Park, that they used to swim. It was a beach. And then me as a kid, this place, you couldn't even -- you wouldn't even want to go in the water," Peponakis said.

Peponakis watched with friends as a slew of old boats were hauled out of the water and taken away for disposal.

"It's great for the neighborhood. I've seen the waters get real dirty over the years, and, it's great that they're making an effort to clean up," he said.

NYC Parks also announced that as of Wednesday, boat owners who are looking to remove a boat from their own possession can do so by calling 311.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: ABC7 New York. Open at source →