WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Menendez today announced a $6,944,032 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant award to electrify commuter ferries in the Eighth Congressional District. The grant has been awarded to New York Waterway and NJ TRANSIT and will convert two vessels from diesel power to battery electric propulsion systems, greatly lessening negative environmental impacts.
“This $7 million grant will ensure that New York Waterway can continue to provide reliable ferry service across the Hudson for residents while minimizing environmental harm,” said Congressman Menendez. “I am proud to have secured the award of this grant, and I look forward to continue supporting environmentally-friendly commuting options in our communities.”
“This funding significantly bolsters our continuing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption, improve air quality and mitigate noise levels,” said New York Waterway CEO Armand Pohan. “We are most grateful to the Congressman and his team for their unflagging support and to New Jersey Transit for sponsoring this application on our behalf. We continue to work toward reaching our goal of a 100 percent hybrid fleet over the next decade.”
“Sustainability is one of the pillars of NJ TRANSIT’s strategic plan, so we are pleased to support our partners at NY Waterway in advancing their transition to battery-electric power,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “I want to thank Congressman Menendez and the entire Congressional delegation for their work in providing the resources necessary for these critical projects that continue to reduce mass transit’s carbon footprint.”
Congressman Menendez wrote to the FTA and the United States Department of Transportation earlier this year advocating for this federal funding. This grant, now secured, will improve the service reliability of New York Waterway’s vessels while also allowing a transition from fossil-fuels to clean, electric power.
