The office of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) has issued the following news item.

Booker Announces $13M for New Jersey Ferry Operations Improvements

November 29, 2023

NEWARK, N.J. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced $13 million in grants through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Passenger Ferry Grant Program for New Jersey commuter ferry operations.

The grants will enable NY Waterway to improve operations and lower emissions, and the City of South Amboy to add operational capacity.

“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 Senator Booker.“This federal funding will help our ferry operators improve reliability, lower emissions, and increase our economic competitiveness.”

“New Jersey thanks the Biden Administration and our congressional delegation for their continued efforts to promote accessible and sustainable transportation across the Garden State,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This robust funding will enhance capacity and improve connectivity between Central Jersey and our neighbors across the river. Just as importantly, by supporting the conversion of vessels from diesel to battery electric power, these significant federal dollars will help improve the air our children and families breath for generations to come.”

“We appreciate Senator Booker’s efforts to secure federal funding that complements the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s work to ensure safe navigation and expand transportation access to the region,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, NJ Department of Transportation Commissioner. “Investing in public transportation, such as ferry service, provides commuters an environmentally friendly alternative to driving and is another step forward in achieving Governor Murphy’s climate change goals.”

“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 & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “I want to thank Senator Booker 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,” said NY Waterway CEO Armand Pohan. “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 look forward to continuing our work together to reach our goal of a 100 percent hybrid fleet over the next decade.”

“In October South Amboy began ferry service to Manhattan at a temporary site,” said South Amboy Mayor Fred A. Henry. “We have worked very hard for many years to make this dream a reality. As this service is in operation we will be constructing a permanent facility nearby. With the invaluable help from Senator Booker, Congressman Pallone, and Assembly Speaker Coughlin I wish to thank them for the $6 million grant award from the FTA Passenger Ferry Grant Program. This will allow us to continue and complete this important project, providing alternative transportation to New York and creating good union jobs.”

The grants are:

• $6.9 million to New Jersey 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. The project will improve service reliability, state of good repair, and improve air quality in the community. Read Booker’s letter in support of this grant here.
• $6 million to the City of South Amboy 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.

This month, Booker announced $4.5 billion in federal funding for New Jersey and the region for mass transit improvements, including historic investments in the Gateway Program and the modernization of Newark Penn Station, and $52.5 million to New Jersey ports to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of goods.