Malliotakis Announces $3 Million to Support Staten Island Ferry Operations
(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today announced the New York City Department of Transportation will be awarded a $3 million federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to rehabilitate an off-site storage facility that supports the operation of the Staten Island Ferry.
"From securing critical funds to modernize our ferry fleet, to advocating for a new contract for our ferry workers, to delivering a grant to rehabilitate this storage facility, I will continue to keep my commitment to improve the service reliability of the Staten Island Ferry," Malliotakis said. "Staten Island is finally receiving its fair share of federal infrastructure funding and I will continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight for more funding to bring our community's infrastructure into the 21st century."
"MEBA is pleased to see much needed investments are being made to ensure the safe and continued service of the Staten Island Ferry system," said Roland Rexha Secretary-Treasurer of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), AFL-CIO. "We are grateful for Rep. Malliotakis' vote in support of the bipartisan infrastructure law that made these resources a reality. These funds will go a long way to ensure the long-term operation and maintenance of the Ferry on behalf of the thousands of New Yorkers who rely on this vital transportation service every day."
GRANT BACKGROUND:
This grant is being awarded under the FTA FY23 Ferry Programs that provides funding for projects that support passenger ferry service, and upgrade ferry boats, terminals, related facilities and equipment. Specifically, these funds, which have been made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Malliotakis supported last Congress, will be used to rehabilitate an off-site storage facility in Stapleton that houses large parts and materials used for Ferry maintenance and its dock building unit.
The condition of the storage facility has slowly deteriorated due to lingering adverse flooding effects from Hurricane Sandy. An improved storage facility will help the Staten Island Ferry enhance the safety of its system as parts held at the facility tend to be larger, high value items that are stored for extended periods. If stored improperly or in poor conditions, the parts could have hidden deterioration or deficiencies that could unknowingly have a potential safety impact on the Ferry. This project will demolish and replace three buildings and rehabilitate the other; install new fencing, pave the lot to improve access and drainage, provide utility upgrades and add security lighting at the facility. The lot will be paved to handle heavy vehicles, large loads and materials.
In 2021, Malliotakis called on the De Blasio Administration to negotiate a new service contract with MEBA before leaving office, and in 2022, worked closely with MEBA and the Adams Administration to settle the longtime contract dispute that caused severe service reductions. Additionally, last year Malliotakis announced a $1 million federal grant to upgrade Staten Island Ferry vessels with propulsion technology to improve service reliability and air quality for riders, and christened the Dorothy Day which arrived in New York Harbor in September 2022.