For immediate release:
Thursday, May 30, 2007

Contact:
Elizabeth Berberich, 212.440.2205
eberberich@empire.state.ny.us

New York Water Taxi: Stacey Sherman 203.855.1600
stacey@theshermangroup.com


FIRST EVER NEW YORK WATER TAXI SERVICE FROM BROOKLYN TO GOVERNORS ISLAND ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNORS ISLAND RESERVATION AND EDUCATION CORPORATION  
New York Water Taxi Invites Brooklynites To Test The Waters:
Free Governors Island Shuttle Saturday, June 2

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Councilman David Yassky join the announcement to celebrate Brooklyn’s connection to Governors Island beginning June 2nd

The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) and New York Water Taxi today announced that for the first time, Brooklyn residents can travel directly from the borough to Governors Island aboard New York Water Taxi. Service begins Saturday, June 2. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and New York City Council member David Yassky joined GIPEC and New York Water Taxi for the announcement.

The borough of Brooklyn sits merely 400 yards from the shore of Governors Island, and today’s announcement marks the first service opportunity for Brooklyn residents to travel directly to the Island to enjoy summer concerts and programming, tour the National Historic District, or take a car-free bike ride.

So that Brooklyn residents can test the waters, New York Water Taxi will offer a free shuttle between Brooklyn and Governors Island on Saturday, June 2. The free shuttle departs Red Hook (pier behind Fairway) at 10:00am and DUMBO’s Fulton Ferry Landing at 10:15am, arriving at Governors Island at 10:30am. This is a one time limited offer available on a first come, first served basis.

For the remainder of the season, Brooklyn residents can connect to Governors Island using New York Water Taxi’s Hop-on Hop-off service which stops in both Red Hook and at Fulton Ferry Landing in DUMBO. Adult fare from Red Hook is $5. From Fulton Ferry Landing, adults pay $10 and children under 12 are $6.

“Because of our shared history, we Brooklynites see Governor’s Island as an extension of our borough; and now visitors can get a unique glimpse of that history while enjoying two of the most stunning views on the planet—the dynamic Brooklyn skyline and that of our “outer borough” to the Northeast (a.k.a, Manhattan)! This affordable service to Governor’s Island is another great addition to the hot neighborhoods of Red Hook and DUMBO, and we’re thrilled that Brooklyn’s own Tom Fox and New York Water Taxi are the ones to take us there.” said Marty Markowitz.

“We are proud to announce this increased service,” said City Councilmember David Yassky. “New York Water Taxi has made access to Governors Island possible for millions in Brooklyn and we are grateful that many more people will now be able to experience the beauty of the Island.”

“We are thrilled that for the first time ever, we can welcome visitors directly from Brooklyn to Governors Island,” said Leslie Koch, President of the Governors Island Preservation & Education Corporation. “We invite all resident of the borough to come and enjoy all the Island has to offer.”

“As a Brooklyn boy it’s a tremendous privilege to connect Governors Island to the Big Island,” said Tom Fox, president of New York Water Taxi. “We are thrilled to add another wonderful attraction to our Hop-on Hop-off service and we look forward to bringing thousands of Brooklynites to Governors Island this summer.”

Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor, provides New Yorkers and visitors with a unique New York City experience. With some of the most amazing views of New York City -- from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn waterfront; historic fortifications; and quiet, tree-lined green open spaces, an afternoon on Governors Island feels like a world away but is only a quick trip from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.

For the full schedule of Hop-on Hop-off service to Governors Island, visit www.nywatertaxi.com.

About Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC)
The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation is responsible for the planning, redevelopment and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. The National Park Service administers the additional 22 acres of the island designated in 2003 as the Governors Island National Monument. A subsidiary of the Empire State Development Corporation, GIPEC is overseen by a Board of Directors appointed equally by the Governor and Mayor of New York. GIPEC is working closely with the National Park Service and a wide array of constituent groups, including business, community and civic groups, to foster new ideas for development of Governors Island and to enhance the island’s role as a vital and integral part of New York City and the surrounding region. GIPEC seeks to make Governors Island a destination with great public open space and heritage tourism attractions, as well as education, conference and cultural arts facilities. For more information please visit www.govisland.com or call 212.440.2202.