New York, NY – U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Michael McMahon today announced $3,000,000 in federal funding for reconstruction and repairs of two major elements of the Staten Island Ferry’s infrastructure: the Whitehall Ferry Terminal slip substructure, and the Staten Island Ferry Maintenance Building. Both serve as crucial support systems for the Staten Island Ferry and will get a much needed boost with this federal funding.
“Better infrastructure means a better ride for Staten Island Ferry riders and more jobs for New Yorkers. No one has longer, harder commutes than Staten Islanders and anything that makes that journey faster, safer and more pleasant is a solid investment. By rebuilding part of the Whitehall Ferry Terminal and revamping the Staten Island Ferry maintenance building, this funding will create jobs and ensure that the Staten Island Ferry provides the safest, fastest, and best possible service for commuters,” Schumer said.
“The Staten Island Ferry is vital to the daily commute of tens of thousands of Staten Islanders, who deserve efficient, dependable transportation,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This funding will provide critical repairs to Staten Island Ferry’s infrastructure and will go a long way towards keeping our ferries running safely and on time.”
“The Staten Island Ferry is the transportation lifeblood for more than 60,000 of my constituents every day. These grants will help provide essential support to improve the infrastructure necessary to keep our ferry fleet and terminals running at full capacity” said Rep. Michael E. McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn, NY). “I am pleased to have worked with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to secure these important resources to improve the Ferry support operations at St. George and the docking slips at Whitehall,” added Rep. McMahon.
As the only ferry service between Staten Island and Manhattan, the Staten Island Ferry has 20 million passengers per year, including 60,000 passengers every weekday. The boats make 109 daily trips during the work week and 35,000 trips annually. Because of heavy use, the ferries are constantly fueled and maintenance work is performed. The Ferry is run by the New York City Department of Transportation, which maintains the nine boat fleet and all its respective buildings – including the Whitehall Ferry Terminal and the Staten Island Ferry Maintenance Building.