Quincy Awarded Grant for Boston Ferry Service

From the office of state Senator John Keenan:

On Thursday afternoon, the Massachusetts Seaport Economic council awarded a Local Maritime Economic Planning Grant to the City of Quincy, which the City says will support the process of reestablishing regular ferry service from Quincy to Boston. The Massachusetts Seaport Economic Council was revitalized under Executive Order 564, as part of the Baker-Polito Administration's commitment to promote local prosperity, cultivate the job market, and grow the maritime economic sector.

“Water transportation is an economically friendly and environmentally responsible means of transit,” said State Representative Bruce Ayers. “This grant is an important step in the process of bringing water transit to Quincy, which benefits our commerce while creating a reliable means of transportation for commuters, residents, and visitors who want to explore all our region has to offer.”

Continuing their commitment to improving public transportation and the local economy, Mayor Thomas Koch, City Councilor William Harris, State Senator John F. Keenan, and State Representative Bruce J. Ayers, working alongside the Department of Transportation and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, closely collaborated to secure the $292,000 grant.

State Senator John F. Keenan, who represents the City of Quincy, believes, “ferry service could be what it takes to unlock one of the city’s greatest attractions – direct access into the heart of Boston, as well as the opportunity for tourists to easily travel to Quincy to visit its many historic sites.” Moreover, he went on to state that it could help get traffic off the Neponset Bridge and bring some relief to the overcrowded Red Line while work continues on MBTA improvements.

The sentiment was shared by Councillor William Harris, who says that “a full-service ferry from Squantum Point Park will have great benefit to the people of Marina Bay, Squantum and North Quincy by helping ease the burden on the Red Line and the North Quincy station. I’m looking forward to doing whatever I can to make it happen.”

The $292,800 Seaport Economic Council grant, along with the $73,200 from the City of Quincy, will aid in development of a Regional Maritime Transportation Hub for Quincy, as well as the nearby communities such as Dorchester, Mattapan, Milton, Weymouth, and Braintree. Funding will be used for engineering, permitting and design of proposed improvements to Squantum Point Park and Pier, which are critical steps toward reestablishing ferry service in the City of Quincy.

“We believe wholeheartedly that water transportation must be part of a 21st century public transit system for the City of Quincy, and this grant is an important step in the right direction,” Mayor Thomas Koch commented. “This is truly a team effort, and I am grateful for the work of Senator Keenan and the entire Quincy delegation, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito, our City Councilors and the volunteer citizens who are continuing to work so hard to make this a reality.”

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