Pallone Helped Secure Federal Funding for Critical Transportation Project
South Amboy, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today joined state and local leaders in South Amboy for a ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the South Amboy ferry project. Pallone advocated for federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration and wrote a letter in support of the city’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program application and was awarded $5.3 million. The project will help meet commuter demand between Central New Jersey and New York City and strengthen the area’s economy.
“I’m proud to join state and local leaders in South Amboy today to mark this important moment in the ferry terminal project. The South Amboy ferry will give residents a new way to commute between Central Jersey and New York City and reduce traffic congestion,” Pallone said. “The new facility will also bolster economic opportunities in the city and surrounding area. I’m glad the federal funding I helped secure for the project will be put to work soon, and I want to thank everyone who joined us today for their dedication and support of this important project.”
“Diversifying and expanding our network of transportation infrastructure is crucial to most efficiently getting people to and from places in one of our country’s most economically productive regions,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “As we near the start of construction, with funding secured including from state and federal government, we mark an important milestone in the development of the South Amboy ferry, and I applaud efforts at the state, county, and city level that are getting this long-awaited project to the finish line.”
“This ferry terminal is going to have a meaningful impact on the lives of countless residents who regularly travel into New York City to work, visit loved ones, or, simply, to enjoy themselves,” said Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. “Its services will provide Middlesex residents and other New Jerseyans throughout the region another efficient commuting option. I am glad for the Department of Transportation’s diligence and local leaders for their hard work to ensure the community will soon benefit.”
“A project of this magnitude and impact does not come together over night; it is the result of hard work, planning, and dedication,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ron Rios. “Today’s groundbreaking is the culmination of years of effort on the part of South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry and the City Council. Of course, this project would not be possible without the critical funding secured by the 19th District Legislative team of Speaker Coughlin, Senator Vitale, and Assemblywoman Lopez.”
Once completed, the ferry is expected to service over 1,000 daily riders during each weekday and 250 daily riders on weekend days. This corresponds to an annual weekday ridership of 260,000 and annual weekend ridership of 26,000, with a total annual ridership of 286,000 that will greatly lower daily commuter traffic congestion between Central New Jersey and Manhattan.
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