(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ander Crenshaw, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that $500,000 has been included in the FY08 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill for a replacement Mayport Ferry.  This bill passed the full Appropriations Committee and is expected to be voted on by the full House later this month. 

 

“The Mayport Ferry is an important resource for our community and a key transportation hub – without it, thousands of Duval and Nassau county commuters would be sunk,” said Congressman Crenshaw.  “The Blackbeard has been in service for more than 50 years, and is no longer cost-effective to repair.  This funding will help fund a replacement ferry which will help save money in the long run and help this important service to continue.”

 

This funding will be used to replace the Blackbeard, which became part of the Mayport ferry service in 1956.  The Blackbeard is currently in extremely poor condition and reconditioning to increase its lifespan is not cost-effective.  The purchase of a replacement used vessel would lower maintenance costs, improve operational efficiency, ensure safety, reliability and save money. 

 

The ferry offers a quick connection to the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve on the north side of the St. Johns River, is a vital link to tourism-dependent business in Mayport Village, and is used by countless commuters every day.  The ferry fleet consists of two vessels, the Blackbeard and the Jean Ribault.  The Jean Ribault replaced another vessel, the Buccaneer in 1996.