NEW LONDON, Conn. — The Cross Sound Ferry Terminal in New London will receive $3.9 million in federal funding for major infrastructure improvements courtesy of the Maritime Administration.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT 2nd District) announced earlier this week that the facility will receive the Port Infrastructure Development Grant.
The project will include the construction of a new bulkhead, relocation and installation of new mooring dolphins, construction and installation of two new ferry ramps, a slip, a floating loading platform and re-sheeting of a section of the existing bulkhead.
In a release, Courtney expressed gratitude for the Maritime Administration’s multi-million-dollar investment, calling it a vote of confidence in the hard work and important service that the Cross Sound Ferry performs each day in southeastern Connecticut. He said his office worked closely with the Cross Sound Ferry team to secure the grant, which is distributed nationwide on a very competitive basis.
“The new funding will allow Cross Sound Ferry too make much needed improvements that will directly contribute to New London’s ongoing work to improve shoreline infrastructure,” Courtney said. “Kudos to Cross Sound Ferry owners John and Adam Wronowski on receiving this well-deserved funding.”
John Wronowski, president of Cross Sound Ferry Services, said his team is extremely thankful to be awarded the funding; he praised Courtney and his staff for their hard work and pointed out that the money will be well spent.
“As the demand for ferry services continues to grow along with the need for increased efficiency in our operations, the grant award will be applied towards improvements around our ferry slips and docking areas,” he said. “These improvements are instrumental to the future development of ferry services in New London to serve regional transportation needs.”
New London Mayor Michael Passero said the Cross Sound Ferry is an important part of the city and its interstate commerce.
“This new federal funding will enhance our multimodal transportation center and go a long way in improving New London’s maritime infrastructure, which is the backbone of our city’s economy,” Passero said.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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