WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and Senator John F. Kerry and Representative William D. Delahunt announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $1.5 million for the reconstruction of the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Steamship Authority’s Oak Bluffs ferry terminal.

Senator Kennedy said, “The Steamship Authority is a life-line between the Cape and Islands, and we’re grateful our colleagues have agreed to support this funding request.  The terminal project is critical to maintaining first-class ferry service, and we’re pleased to support it.”

"Making it easier for tourists to use the ferry service will bring in more dollars for the Cape and Islands economy and will help the Steamship Authority handle the increasing number of ferry passengers.  I am pleased to work with Senator Kennedy and Congressman Delahunt to obtain this funding."  Senator Kerry said.

Congressman Delahunt said, "I am excited about this project, the work is long overdue.  Once completed, the new facilities will be a boost for tourism and year round residents of the Island."

"This is great news for Martha's Vineyard and especially for the Town of Oak
Bluffs, who fully support this project," said Wayne Lamson, general manager of the Steamship Authority.  "This funding will allow the Steamship Authority to begin the reconstruction of the Oak Bluff's terminal."

This funding will be used to make improvements to the terminal building, to make ferry berthing and loading more efficient, and to build a new walkway and transportation lanes for ferry passenger pick-ups and drop-offs on Martha’s Vineyard.  Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2007 and be completed in 2009, and the total project cost is estimated at $10,000,000.

Last year, the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, provided transportation for nearly 387,000 passengers between the terminal and Woods Hole.  In 2004, more than 411,000 passengers rode the ferry between the Oak Bluffs ferry terminal and Woods Hole.   In addition, terminal served over 120,000 passengers traveling between New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard on the New England Fast Ferry Service in 2004 and 2005.

Funding for the project was included in the Fiscal Year 2007 Transportation, Treasury, and HUD Appropriations bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday afternoon.   The bill is expected to pass the Senate later this fall and will be reconciled with the House version soon thereafter.   

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