August 09, 2019

Sens. Warren, Markey and Rep. Keating Announce $2.5 Million Grant for Steamship Authority

Grant Will Support New Ferry Terminal to Service the Cape and Islands

Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), along with Representative William Keating (D-Mass.), announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket Steamship Authority (SSA) a $2.5 million grant to support the construction of a new ferry terminal in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. DOT awarded the competitive grant through the Department's Passenger Ferry Grant Program, which provides funding for projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas.

"Investments in local infrastructure like the new ferry terminal in Woods Hole boost our local economy and improve the travel experiences of both residents and visitors," said Senator Warren. "This is great news for the Steamship Authority, our communities on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, and for the thousands of visitors who travel to these historic islands every year."

"The ferry terminal is essential for addressing the transportation and other living needs of those on Martha's Vineyard," said Senator Markey. "I congratulate Steamship Authority officials on securing funding that will assist as they work in concert with the needs of the Martha's Vineyard and Woods Hole communities to modernize, expand, and improve ferry service to this beautiful home and destination."

"The unique natural geography of the Cape and Islands presents tough challenges for our region's infrastructure," said Representative Keating. "Thankfully, our local officials have a long track record of finding novel ways to use federal funding to meet these challenges. That is why I am proud to have worked with the Steamship Authority as it aggressively pursued this federal funding from the Passenger Ferry Grant Program. Their tireless work, and their continued cooperation with the Regional Transit Authority, ensure that when federal funding is available, we can demonstrate that we will put it good use in our community." 

In June, Senators Warren, Markey and Representative Keating wrote to the Federal Transit Administration at the DOT to express their support for the SSA's grant application. In their letter, the lawmakers emphasized that funding the creation of a new ferry terminal in Woods Hole, where the current facility is almost 60 years old, will better accommodate vessel operations and ensure that the project is completed with minimal effect on the Authority's ratepayers, neighbors, and the local economy. 

More information about the DOT's Passenger Ferry Grant Program is available here.

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