News Summary
New York City has announced the dismantling of the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, a floating jail that has faced criticism since its opening in 1992. The Economic Development Corporation revealed that the jail, located in Hunts Point, will be scrapped for $1.5 million. In its place, a new marine terminal will be developed as part of the Blue Highways initiative aimed at reducing truck traffic. The terminal is expected to create 500 jobs and generate $3.9 billion in economic impact over 30 years.
New York City has announced that it will dismantle the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, a controversial five-story floating jail often referred to as a prison barge. The decision was made public on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Louisiana Scrap Metal Recycling has been contracted to scrap the facility, which will be towed from its current location in Hunts Point to Gibson, Louisiana for processing.
The city is set to receive $1.5 million from the scrap metal company for the barge, which was previously utilized as an overflow facility for Rikers Island until its decommissioning in 2023. Plans for the site where the prison once floated include the development of a new marine terminal intended for handling freight transport via barges and boats.
The upcoming terminal will play a crucial role in the city’s “Blue Highways” initiative, which seeks to reduce monthly truck traffic by 9,000 trips by shifting cargo delivery methods from roads to waterways. As part of this initiative, the terminal will additionally serve as a staging area for small electric vehicles designated for deliveries within the Bronx.
The EDC previously disclosed that an installation of a temporary dock at Hunts Point will take place as part of the initial steps toward transforming the area into a bustling maritime freight hub. The terminal project is poised to bring significant economic opportunity, with projections estimating 500 jobs created—comprising 400 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions.
The anticipated economic impact over the next thirty years from the terminal is projected at a substantial $3.9 billion. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that the terminal signifies a new beginning for Hunts Point, reflecting the city’s drive towards sustainable industries and job creation.
The floating jail itself has a troubled history, having opened in 1992 with an initial construction cost of $161 million, which is roughly equivalent to $377 million today when adjusted for inflation. Throughout its operational years, the facility faced intense criticism due to reports of detainee deaths and protests led by criminal justice advocacy groups. Data shows the considerable disparity in costs, with the floating jail representing a mere fraction compared to a new 1,040-bed jail in Brooklyn that is estimated to cost $3 billion.
Originally constructed to alleviate overcrowding at Rikers Island, the floating jail’s closure aligns with the city’s commitment to shuttering Rikers within the next decade. Historically, the city has utilized varying temporary floating jail facilities, including former British troop carriers and retired Staten Island Ferry ships.
The new Hunts Point Marine Terminal will sit adjacent to an upcoming freight facility operated by Con Agg Global, which is set to commence operations within the current year. Additionally, the project is expected to encompass land remediation efforts aimed at addressing pollution issues associated with the site, with completion scheduled for 2027.
The terminal’s design is expected to cater to rapid deployment and high-capacity demands for freight transport, reinforcing New York City’s commitment to enhancing its integrated maritime network. This network already incorporates existing shipping facilities throughout the Port of New York and New Jersey.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Gothamist: NYC’s Floating Jail to be Scrapped for Parts Down in Louisiana
- Wikipedia: Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center
- Workboat: New York to Build Marine Freight Hub at Bronx Jail Barge Site
- Google Search: Hunts Point Marine Terminal
- ENR: Marine Terminal Planned for Site of Former New York City Floating Jail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marine Transportation
- Hellgate NYC: Floating Jail in the Bronx Getting the Boot
- Google News: Floating Jail Bronx
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