RI Delegation Steers $13.5 Million to Upgrade Providence Ferry Terminal

Providence, RI - Ferries offer a fast, fun, convenient, environmentally friendly and scenic way to hop between local waterfront ports across the Ocean State, with seasonal service between Providence, Bristol, and Newport being among the most popular routes.

In an effort to connect communities, strengthen the economy, and build for the future, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner successfully steered $13,500,000 in federal funding to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to support upgrades to the Providence Ferry Terminal, located at 25 Portugal Parkway (Fox Point).

The terminal site includes basic port infrastructure and complimentary on-site parking for 120 vehicles, with tickets, schedules, and temporary structures managed by Seastreak Ferries.

This new federal funding will support the construction of a new, permanent ticketing pavilion that will hold an office, restrooms, and a waiting area for passengers with real-time information, as well as improvements to parking and stormwater treatment. The project will also include construction of new floating docks, ADA-compliant gangways, and sea wall repairs.

"This is a win for Rhode Island and a smart investment in improving operational efficiency of the Providence Ferry Terminal and building modern, new amenities. It will make ferry service more accessible and family-friendly -- attracting more passengers and providing them with a first-class experience that connects them to world-class waterfront destinations. This federal funding will better connect communities and reduce pollution and traffic congestion while boosting ridership, tourism, and economic growth," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, who supported funding for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program to assist in the financing of capital projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas.

"The Providence ferry is a great option for residents and tourists to explore the East Bay," said Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "With this federal funding, the state will be able to significantly upgrade the passenger experience."

"For both visitors and residents, the ferry helps connect communities from Providence to the East Bay to Aquidneck Island during summer months," said Amo. "This federal funding will improve accessibility, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance the passenger experience for ferry passengers. I will keep working in Washington to bring home funding to help Rhode Islanders experience all that our great state has to offer."

"The Providence Ferry has become an essential part of Rhode Island's transportation network and a vital part of our state's tourism economy," said Magaziner. "I will continue working with the rest of Rhode Island's Congressional delegation to deliver funding that ensures reliable ferry service across the Ocean State."

The federal funding is being made available thanks to a $657-million program administered by the U.S. Federal Transit Administration to improve and expand ferry service across the country.

"RIDOT has been operating the successful Providence-to-Newport ferry, which enjoys ridership of some 44,000 passengers a year between the two cities and Bristol on weekends, for the past 11 summer seasons," said Interim Director Robert Rocchio, PE. "We are grateful for the efforts of the congressional delegation for this grant. It will help improve passenger experience at the ferry landing site in Providence by adding amenity buildings and infrastructure improvements that will last for many more seasons to come."

Seastreak's seasonal ferry service, run in partnership with RIDOT, includes multiple daily trips between Newport and Providence with weekend service to Bristol. The ferry is dog-friendly, and a limited number of bicycles are welcome aboard free of charge. There are also special shuttle connections for Amtrak riders to the Providence terminal.

A ticket for the one-hour ferry ride from the Providence terminal to Perotti Park in Newport costs $12 each way for adults and $6 each way for children, seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare cardholders. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-800-BOATRIDE or visiting the Providence Ferry Terminal. For more information, visit:ridethebayri.com

###