Menendez, Booker Announce $1.3M Federal Grant to Upgrade Ferries, Make More Environmentally Friendly

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both-N.J.) today announced the awarding of a $1,382,000 federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to replace four Tier 1 diesel marine propulsion engines with Tier 4 certified engines on ferries that operate between Atlantic Highlands, N.J. and New York City to reduce harmful pollutants.

"This grant is a win-win," said Sen. Menendez. "This funding will not only provide for necessary upgrades to New Jersey's aging ferry fleet, affording commuters the latest technology and convenience when they head to work, but it will also help reduce dangerous emissions that threaten our environment.

"Ensuring the health and safety of our commuters is top priority," said Sen. Booker. These federal funds will enable much-needed upgrades to our aging fleet of ferries but more importantly will also reduce our environmental footprint, helping us to work towards a better future."

New Jersey is one of just four projects in the nation awarded a combined $5 million through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The other states receiving funding are California, Oregon and Texas.

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