Listen to this article

The Garden State will receive $13 million in funding to improve its commuter ferry operations through two grants awarded via the Federal Transit Administration‘s (FTA) Passenger Ferry Grant Program.

The grants include:

• $6.9 million to NJ Transit on behalf of NY Waterway to convert two vessels from diesel power to battery electric propulsion systems and buy charging equipment to support them;
• $6 million to the City of South Amboy, which began ferry service last month to Manhattan from a temporary site, to construct a new floating dock and critical infrastructure to complete the new passenger ferry facility.

In a press release, Gov. Phil Murphy thanked the Biden administration and the state’s congressional delegation for their efforts to promote accessible and sustainable transportation across the Garden State.

“This robust funding will enhance capacity and improve connectivity between Central Jersey and our neighbors across the river,” said Murphy. “Just as importantly, by supporting the conversion of vessels from diesel to batter electric power, these significant federal dollars will help improve the air our children and families breath for generations to come.”

“Passenger ferries play a critical role connecting New Jerseyans to jobs and providing more travel options that get people where they need to go,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. “This federal funding will help our ferry operators improve reliability, lower emissions, and increase our economic competitiveness.”

“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,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett.

NY Waterway CEO Amand Pohan thanked Booker and his team for sponsoring the application on their behalf.

“This funding significantly bolsters our continuing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption, improve air quality and mitigate noise levels,” said Pohan. “We look forward to continuing our work together to reach our goal of a 100% hybrid fleet over the next decade.”

South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry noted that his town has worked very hard to make the dream of ferry service to Manhattan a reality — 26 years to be exact.

“As this service is in operation, we will be constructing a permanent facility nearby,” said Henry, who thanked lawmakers and officials for their efforts in securing the $6 million grant. “This will allow us to continue and complete this important project, providing alternative transportation to New York and creating good union jobs.”

“It’s great to see South Amboy receive more federal funding to support the city’s new passenger ferry. The floating dock system will make the ferry more accessible to passengers and bolster the dock’s resilience against fluctuating tides and flooding events,” said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th District. “The South Amboy ferry is already giving residents a new way to commute between Central Jersey and New York City.”