NJ Transit has secured a $6.32 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. With this funding, important upgrades will be made at the Weehawken Ferry Maintenance Facility.
The funds, part of the 2024 Passenger Ferry Grant Program, will be used to install a wave attenuator—a barrier that helps protect ferries from damage caused by waves, high tides, and floods.
Essentially, the goal is to keep the ferry services running smoothly and safely for the thousands of commuters who rely on them daily.
- NJ Transit received a $6.32 million grant to install a wave attenuator at the Weehawken Ferry Facility, protecting the area from floods and high tides.
- The wave attenuator will help keep ferry services running safely and reliably for thousands of daily commuters.
- This project is part of a larger $300 million effort to modernize ferry services across the U.S., focusing on resilience and eco-friendly upgrades.
Strengthening the Weehawken Facility Against Extreme Weather
Many New Jersey commuters rely on the Hudson River ferries, and, thankfully, this grant will help keep them safe from harsh weather.
The new wave attenuator at the Weehawken facility will act as a shield, preventing strong waves and high water levels from damaging the boats and interrupting service.
Armand Pohan, CEO of NY Waterway, said, “The funding and construction of the wave attenuation screen is an essential step in ensuring the safety and modernization of our ferry maintenance facility.”
He thanked state and federal partners for understanding the importance of this project, especially its potential to protect the ferry system and help safeguard the Weehawken shoreline.
Collaboration for Safer, More Reliable Transit
In a move towards safer, more reliable transit, NJ Transit President Kevin Corbett expressed satisfaction in supporting NY Waterway’s efforts to secure federal funding.
“Ferries are an integral part of our state’s transportation network, providing critical connectivity and mobility every day for thousands of New Jerseyans,” he said.
Congressman Rob Menendez, who helped secure the funding, added, “This grant will ensure that our transit system is more resilient, reliable, and fulfilling the needs of New Jerseyans and people throughout the region.”
This $6.32 million grant is part of a larger $300 million package from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve ferry systems nationwide.
Focused on improving transportation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) wants to make ferry services more resilient to extreme weather.
At the same time, they aim to modernize the facilities to meet the needs of today’s commuters.
Federal Support for Upgrading Ferry Services Nationwide
Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Weehawken project is one of many that will benefit. Not to mention, this initiative involves $300 million in federal funding.
It’s clear that ferries are vital to many communities, offering critical transport solutions with scarce alternatives.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg explained that this funding aims to make ferry services more reliable and eco-friendly. Additionally, it seeks to protect the waterways that many people depend on.
The FTA is spreading this money across 18 projects in 14 states. To support these initiatives, the projects will replace old ferries with new electric ones, expand fleets, and improve docks and terminals.
Plus, eight of these projects will focus on introducing environmentally friendly propulsion technologies, like electric-powered ferries and charging stations.
Moving Toward Greener, Cleaner Ferry Operations
The FTA plans to improve ferry services and make them greener by encouraging the use of electric and low-emission ferries.
With this shift, they aim to reduce air pollution and make ferry travel more environmentally friendly.
For example, San Francisco is getting funding to build new electric ferries, and Alaska will replace aging vessels with eco-friendly models.
Veronica Vanterpool, Acting Administrator of the FTA, praised these projects, saying, “We applaud ferry agencies for taking the big step toward electrification, increasing reliability, and bringing their aging ferry systems into a state of good repair.”
A Long-Needed Solution for Weehawken and Beyond
Undoubtedly, installing the wave attenuator in Weehawken is a much-needed step toward protecting the ferry system and the local area.
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner noted that local efforts have focused on making ferries cleaner and quieter, hoping this project will address concerns about pollution and noise.
While the Weehawken facility is being upgraded, NY Waterway’s ferry maintenance operations are temporarily happening in Hoboken at the former Union Dry Dock site.
So, this site will temporarily be used for ferry repairs and refueling until the new facility in Weehawken is ready.
Future Plans for Hoboken and Maritime Park
As NY Waterway prepares to move back to Weehawken, Hoboken is moving forward with its plan to turn the Union Dry Dock site into a public park called Maritime Park.
Construction will start next summer on the park, including a skatepark and other features.
With the $6.32 million grant secured, the Weehawken ferry facility is getting a much-needed upgrade, ensuring safer, more reliable, and environmentally friendly ferry services for the future.
As these upgrades take place, commuters and the local community can look forward to a stronger ferry system that’s better prepared for whatever comes next.
