Rose, Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $4.1 Million in Federal Funding to Rebuild St. George Ferry Terminal Roof

Press Release

Following advocacy by the New York lawmakers, Congressman Max Rose and U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced today that over $4.1 million in federal funding has been awarded to rebuild the roof of the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The project is necessary to address persistent leaking, roof drainage issues, and joint damage. Additionally, the project will improve energy efficiency, safety, and security while saving on operating and maintenance costs moving forward.

"New Yorkers shouldn't have to wait until things are literally falling apart before we start upgrading our infrastructure, and this funding helps ensure that won't happen with the St. George Ferry Terminal," Congressman Rose said. "By rebuilding the Terminal's roof now, rather than later, we'll save money in the long run. Between this project and the new ferry boats set to arrive in the coming months, we're going to make sure the Staten Island Ferry remains one of the safest and most reliable transit options for Staten Islanders."

"The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how important it is to invest in sustaining our public transit systems because essential workers have relied on the Staten Island Ferry and the Island's bus network and railroad to get to the frontlines throughout this unprecedented health and economic crisis," Senator Schumer said. "I'm proud to have advocated for this vital funding for repairs to the St. George Ferry Terminal because a vibrant ferry system is fundamental to Staten Island's recovery, economy and the mobility of millions of riders each year. I will continue to fight for funding for our city's transportation systems to ensure the safety of riders and the efficiency and dependability of these vital transit options."

"The Staten Island Ferry is essential to the daily commute of tens of thousands of Staten Islanders, who deserve dependable and efficient transportation," Senator Gillibrand said. "This funding will provide much needed renovations to the St. George Ferry Terminal roof and will ensure that New York City travelers remain safe and secure in transit. The Staten Island Ferry is not just an iconic New York staple, it has served as an essential means of transportation for people across the city, and I will continue pushing for additional federal funding to help keep facilities running safely and on time."

The $4,180,982 in federal funding was awarded to the New York City Department of Transportation by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Passenger Ferry Grant Program.

"The roof of the St. George Ferry Terminal is reaching the end of its useful life, and federal funds will be essential to ensuring the Terminal's continued condition," wrote Rose, Schumer, Gillibrand and other New York lawmakers in a letter to the FTA in March. "Not only will the reconstruction address problems such as persistent leaking, roof drainage, and joint damage, but it will also improve energy efficiency, safety, and security to the public. Most notably, rebuilding the Ferry Terminal roof now will save on operating and maintenance costs going forward and will be cheaper to accomplish now rather than later.

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