{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-13m-for-new-jersey-ferry-operations-improvements", "Booker Announces $13M for New Jersey Ferry Operations Improvements", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced $13 million in grants through the Federal Transit Administration\u2019s (FTA) Passenger Ferry Grant Program for New Jersey commuter ferry operations.\n\nThe grants will enable NY Waterway to improve operations and lower emissions, and the City of South Amboy to add operational capacity.\n\n\u201cPassenger ferries play a critical role connecting New Jerseyans to jobs and providing more travel options that get people where they need to go,\u201d said Senator Booker.\u201cThis federal funding will help our ferry operators improve reliability, lower emissions, and increase our economic competitiveness.\u201d\n\n\u201cNew Jersey thanks the Biden Administration and our congressional delegation for their continued efforts to promote accessible and sustainable transportation across the Garden State,\u201d said Governor Phil Murphy. \u201cThis robust funding will enhance capacity and improve connectivity between Central Jersey and our neighbors across the river. Just as importantly, by supporting the conversion of vessels from diesel to battery electric power, these significant federal dollars will help improve the air our children and families breath for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Senator Booker\u2019s efforts to secure federal funding that complements the New Jersey Department of Transportation\u2019s work to ensure safe navigation and expand transportation access to the region,\u201d said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, NJ Department of Transportation Commissioner. \u201cInvesting in public transportation, such as ferry service, provides commuters an environmentally friendly alternative to driving and is another step forward in achieving Governor Murphy\u2019s climate change goals.\u201d\n\n\u201cSustainability is one of the pillars of NJ TRANSIT\u2019s strategic plan, so we are pleased to support our partners at NY Waterway in advancing their transition to battery-electric power,\u201d said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. \u201cI want to thank Senator Booker and the entire Congressional delegation for their work in providing the resources necessary for these critical projects that continue to reduce mass transit\u2019s carbon footprint.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis funding significantly bolsters our continuing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption, improve air quality and mitigate noise levels,\u201d said NY Waterway CEO Armand Pohan. \u201cWe are most grateful to the Senator and his team for their unflagging support and to New Jersey Transit for sponsoring this application on our behalf. We look forward to continuing our work together to reach our goal of a 100 percent hybrid fleet over the next decade.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn October South Amboy began ferry service to Manhattan at a temporary site,\u201d said South Amboy Mayor Fred A. Henry. \u201cWe have worked very hard for many years to make this dream a reality. As this service is in operation we will be constructing a permanent facility nearby. With the invaluable help from Senator Booker, Congressman Pallone, and Assembly Speaker Coughlin I wish to thank them for the $6 million grant award from the FTA Passenger Ferry Grant Program. This will allow us to continue and complete this important project, providing alternative transportation to New York and creating good union jobs.\u201d\n\nThe grants are:\n\n$6.9 million to New Jersey Transit on behalf of NY Waterway to convert two vessels from diesel power to battery electric propulsion systems and buy charging equipment to support them. The project will improve service reliability, state of good repair, and improve air quality in the community. Read Booker\u2019s letter in support of this grant here.\n\n$6 million to the City of South Amboy to construct a new floating dock and critical infrastructure needed to complete a new passenger ferry facility designed to add regional service between Central Jersey and Manhattan.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-13m-for-new-jersey-ferry-operations-improvements"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.7850729636847973, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}