A year after Gov. David Paterson rejected a plan to put a liquefied natural gas barge in the Long Island Sound, word comes that the federal government may overturn that decision.

On Friday, Long Island Business News cited sources saying there is a 50-50 chance the U.S. Department of Commerce will give Broadwater Energy?s plan the green light. Broadwater says that?s just speculation. The terminal was to sit nine miles off the coast of Wading River and cost $700 million.

Supporters of the plan maintained the barge would increase Long Islanders? gas supply, thereby saving them money. Environmentalists said the terminal would endanger marine wildlife.

The Long Island Association says given the current economic climate, it is more important than ever to save money.

?Having more natural gas is one of the keys to keeping Long Island's economy sound and keeping this a place that people can reasonably afford to live,? LIA President Matthew Crosson says.

Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) is still against the barge, saying it is not viable. Environmentalists say New York and Connecticut have promised a legal battle if the terminal is ultimately approved. The Department of Commerce is set to make a final decision April 13.