Ferries Still in Danger of Closing

The state's Department of Transportation is moving forward with its plan to discontinue ferry service across the Connecticut River, regardless of ongoing union voting on a new concession deal that could save the ferries.

“We have to plan as if there will be no concessions deal; we can’t hold everything up dependent upon the union vote,” said Kevin Nursick, the DOT's spokesman.

After state employee unions rejected the budget-balancing changes in their contracts earlier this year, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy called for the implementation of his Plan B budget, which includes 6,500 layoffs and municipal aid cuts to help balance the $1.6 billion shortfall in the state budget.

The nation’s two oldest continually operating ferries, the Chester-Hadlyme and Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferries, would be closed under Plan B. Both ferries are operated by the Bureau of Aviation and Ports within the DOT.

“Most, if not all, of the governor’s Plan B can be reversed and undone if the vote does go through,” said Nursick. This would include not only the ferries, but proposed increases in rail and bus fares as well, he says.

The DOT’s notice provides for a 30-day period as per state statute, for public comment on its decision to alter Routes 148 and 160 by closing the Chester-Hadlyme and Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferries respectively. 

The period is slated for August 5 to September 5. Individuals and groups are encouraged to write or email with concerns, suggestions and general comments about the proposal.

If the DOT waited until after the union vote to move forward with the public notice to close the ferries, it would only prolong the process, Nursick said.

“Plan B can be turned back, but we can’t sit on our hands while we wait for the vote.”

There will also be an opportunity to present concerns at a on the topic. Currently, there are two hearings scheduled, one for Thursday, August 25 from 6-8 p.m., at the Chester Meeting House in Chester, the second is set for Aug. 22, from 6-8 p.m., at the Rocky Hill Town Hall.  

Members of the public attending these meetings will be able to make statements and presentations about their opinions on the need for continuing the ferry service.

Humphrey Tyler and other members of the effort are urging proponents of the ferries to attend one or both of these meetings to let the DOT and other state officials know they support the service.

“Because DOT may not record the proceedings,” Tyler said, “it is important that you bring a written copy of your remarks or presentation and make sure that the DOT officials present take it back to Hartford with them to be included in all the formal written statements being collected by DOT on its proposed ferry closing.” 

If you cannot attend either hearing, statements or presentations in support of continued ferry service can be sent to:

Department of Transportation

Bureau of Public Transportation

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington, CT 06131-7546

Or, emailed to Philip.Scarrozzo@ct.gov    

Emails and statements sent by postal service should arrive no later than the end of the public comment period, which is Sept. 5.