Two reviews say Duck Boats are no security risk

Federal Court officials want to move loading zone for tourist attraction

Federal officials want to move a popular tourist attraction, citing security concerns. But two security reviews have failed to show why the Duck Boats pose a threat.

The Ride the Ducks boarding station has been at Sixth and Market Streets for the past few years, across the street from the federal courthouse. The permit for the operation to continue there has been pulled after security concerns by court officials. James Cuorato is head of the Independence Visitors Center. He says reviews by Philadelphia and Federal homeland security officials found there are no problems with the duck boats.

“There exists no merit in terms of security enhancement benefits to the removal of these vehicles. The fact that two prior security assessments, one by the Department of Homeland Security and another by the Philadelphia Police Homeland Security Office of Domestic Preparedness failed to include the ducks as specific threats carries great weight in reaching this conclusion.”

Cuorato and tourism officials want the ducks to stay, and Councilman Frank DiCicco agrees, but federal officials are pushing to move the vehicles and the Councilman isn’t sure where they can be relocated.