The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently opted to move forward with the Prescott-to-Ogdensburg Bicycle Ferry, which will shuttle bicyclists between New York and Ontario.
The project is the brainchild of Sen. Bob Runciman (Ontario) who proposed a ferry between Brockville, Ontario, and Morristown, N.Y. in 2017. Brockville did not approve the plan, and Runciman proposed moving the route between Prescott, Ontario, and Ogdensburg, N.Y.
Homeland Security initially nixed the idea, stating it would cost approximately $10 million to process cyclists entering the United States and to construct a building and other facilities.
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) launched a lobbying campaign that successfully persuaded the agency to consent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials offering their services for free during the first two seasons. This is the same deal offered by the Canadian Border Services Agency.
“I’m thrilled to hear that my push for this cross-border pedestrian and bicycle ferry has come to fruition,” Stefanik said. “This project will increase tourism between Canada and the North Country, which will, in turn, bolster our economy.”
A study of the ferry service will be conducted in the fall, and a pilot project will be conducted over three weekends next summer.