The Outdated Marquoit 11 at the Ferry Terminal Dock. A Source Familiar With the Situation Said that the Progress of the Replacement Ferry is Currently in”Limbo” – Possibly for Funding Issues.

The Casco Bay Island Transit District (CBITD) will receive a $3,600,000 grant from the US Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to replace an outdated ferry in its fleet with a new, hybrid vessel, according to a press release issued from the office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) this morning.  The funds will be used to replace the Marquoit 11, a passenger and freight ferry built in 1994.  The new ferry will be equipped with a diesel electric hybrid propulsion system.  It’s estimated this will eliminate 1,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

“Casco Bay Island Transit District’s ferries are an essential transportation artery for both our year-round and seasonal residents.  The Marqujoit 11 is without a doubt the workhorse of the fleet, carrying passengers, mail and other cargo 50 miles a day, 365 days a week to and from Casco Bay’s rural isalnds.  But this vessel is nearly three decades old and the area is ready for a 21st century, environmentally sound replacement,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) in a joint statement with Senator Angus King (I).  With the use of innovative battery-powered propulsion technology, this new vessel will not only dramatically improve passenges’ experience by eliminating exhaust fumes and excessive engine noise and vibrations, it will reduce CO2 emissions, improving the ferry’s environmental impact.  We’re thrilled the US Department of Transportation awarded this grant to the Casco Bay CBITD. With it our communiites and environment will be better served.”

Hank Berg of Casco Bay Ferry Terminal did not respond to an inquiry from mhn.com about this grant award and its use.  However, someone familiar with the situation told this blogger that the progress of the replacement of the Marquidt 11 is in “limbo” – likely for financial reasons.

Some Peaks Island residents objected to the new ferry because of its larger size and its ability to hold more passengers than the current ferry.  Peaks Island, back in its day, was one large amusement park attracting visitors to its theaters, rides, restaurants, beaches, hotels and other tourist attractions.  The Island attracted tourists from all over New England.  Some year-round residents are anxious not to return to those days.

For more background infomation, please visit posts herein dated May 23, 2019, May 22, 2019 and March 28, 2019