Jason Walsh, 13News

Dozens of old ships wait out their future in the James River.

NEWPORT NEWS (AP) -- Local governments are appealing to federal officials and Congress to speed the removal of the so-called Ghost Fleet in Virginia's lower James River.

Officials from Suffolk, Newport News and James City County maintain the James River Reserve Fleet off Fort Eustis poses an environmental risk. The fleet of aging ships totals 31.

While the local officials are pleased with the government for scrapping nearly 80 of the ships, they fear the pace of disposing the ships is slowing.

One report said a storm-damaged ship could foul oyster beds and spew oil and asbestos into the river.

The U.S. Maritime Administration blames a weak economy and declining prices for recycled steel for the slowdown.

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