Huntington, NY - January 31, 2019 - Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens) has received notification that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has granted the City of Glen Cove a 16-month extension to launch ferry service to Manhattan.
The City had missed a January 1 deadline to start the ferry service and risked an order to repay $16.6 million in federal grants that had been expended on the project to date. These projects include the construction of the ferry terminal building, bulkheading, and other related projects
Last March, Congressman Suozzi met with Glen Cove Mayor Tim Tenke to discuss the ferry project. At that time the Mayor requested the Congressman’s assistance in reaching out to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) about extending the date when ferry service was to be operational. Since then, the Congressman has worked with the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, and the City of Glen Cove to see that this project is rolled out on an extended schedule, ensuring efficiency and safety.
“The FHWA has granted the City of Glen Cove a much-needed and appreciated extension for this ferry project. The extension gives the City a bit of breathing room to see that this ferry project is implemented safely and on budget. I would like to thank Senator Schumer for his input last year. The Federal Highway Administration has been cooperative and responsive to our requests. We will continue to work with the FHWA to see this project through to its completion,” said Congressman Suozzi. “I have always envisioned ferry service on the Glen Cove waterfront. This is very exciting.”
The City now has until May 22, 2020, to launch the project. They are currently working with the developer to create a ferry service plan and are seeking bids from ferry operators.