U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez on Wednesday announced $13 million in grants through the Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program to improve ferry operations for New Jersey commuters.
This grant will reduce emissions, improve NY Waterway operations and increase the operational capacity for the city of South Amboy.
New Jersey Transit, on behalf of NY Waterway, will receive $6.9 million in funding to convert two vessels from diesel power to battery electric propulsion systems and buy charging equipment to support them. The project will improve service reliability, state of good repair and improve air quality in the community. Additionally, the city of South Amboy was awarded $6 million to construct a new floating dock and critical infrastructure needed to complete a new passenger ferry facility designed to add regional service between Central Jersey and Manhattan.
“I’m proud to have secured this $13 million grant to provide the necessary improvements to facilitate South Amboy’s passenger ferry services, enhance operations at New York Waterway and reduce emissions. These grants serve to continue bettering the air quality for New Jersey and New York families, expanding connectivity and access to work opportunities for current and future generations,” Menendez (D-N.J.) said. “Investments like this ensure Congress continues to work to create safer, sustainable infrastructure.”
“Sustainability is one of the pillars of NJ Transit’s strategic plan, so we are pleased to support our partners at NY Waterway in advancing their transition to battery-electric power,” Kevin Corbett, NJ Transit CEO and president, said. “I want to thank Sen. Menendez and the entire Congressional delegation for their work in providing the resources necessary for these critical projects that continue to reduce mass transit’s carbon footprint.”
“This funding significantly bolsters our continuing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption, improve air quality and mitigate noise levels,” NY Waterway CEO Armand Pohan said. “We are most grateful to the senator and his team for their unflagging support and to New Jersey Transit for sponsoring this application on our behalf. We continue to work toward reaching our goal of a 100% hybrid fleet over the next decade.”
