NEWS |
86-00: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , May 25, 2000
The bistate agency's Board of Commissioners today approved construction of a permanent floating ferry terminal to replace the existing temporary facility, used by 12,500 weekday commuters traveling between Battery Park City and Hoboken and Jersey City, N.J.
The new $37.4 million facility will be managed as a public-private partnership. The Port Authority will develop and own the terminal, and NY Waterway will be responsible for its operation and maintenance.
"Ferry service is undergoing a renaissance throughout the New York-New Jersey region, providing new transportation links that help bind the region together," said Port Authority Chairman Lewis M. Eisenberg. "The Port Authority, as developer of the highly successful Hoboken Ferry, is a leader in this revival. With the steadily growing demand for ferry service across the Hudson, the time is right to build a new permanent terminal."
Port Authority Vice-Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "Ferry service between New Jersey and New York is clearly very popular. The public-private partnership we have developed with NY Waterway will help ensure that ferry service throughout the region continues to flourish."
The existing facility has two ferry slips and accommodates 250 landings per day. The new terminal provides:
--> five ferry slips that will accept both side- and end-loading vessels;
--> a larger passenger waiting area to reduce passenger crowding; and
--> improved amenities, such as separation of arriving and departing passengers, restrooms, concessions, additional seating and improved lighting.
The Port Authority consulted with residents of Battery Park City to ensure that the project will have minimal impact on residents of the surrounding community.
The terminal will include two ramps, allowing for better passenger flow on and off the vessels and helping to prevent overcrowding on the esplanade.
The new ferry terminal will be capable of accommodating additional ferry services, including a proposed extension of the LaGuardia Airport service to include Battery Park City.