More than $5M in DOT funds to aid NJ passenger ferry project

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U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said South Amboy, New Jersey, is slated to receive $5.3 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Passenger Ferry Grant program for terminal construction.

“This is great news for New Jersey and for commuters who rely on passenger ferries every day,” Pallone said. “This funding will go a long way to ensure that our transportation infrastructure is able to accommodate the increased demand in ferry service and will help reduce vehicle traffic between New Jersey and Manhattan. The new facility will undoubtedly foster economic growth in South Amboy and the surrounding area.”

Officials said the Passenger Ferry Grant program, which provides funding for passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas, will fund construction of a Ferry Terminal Facility accommodating up to three ferry vessels – giving pedestrians, automobiles, buses and rail systems access to commuter ferry service between New Jersey and downtown Manhattan.

“I would like to thank Congressman Pallone, always a friend to South Amboy, for his support and commitment in partnering with South Amboy and Middlesex County and in helping to make this important transportation project a reality,” South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry said.

A statement from Pallone’s office said he wrote a letter of support to the
Federal Transit Administration in March to advocate for the funding initiative.