CTDOT Announces $8 Million in Federal and State Funding To Replace the Historic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry Vessel

(HARTFORD, CT) - CTDOT today announced that it is being awarded $6.4 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to replace the vessel serving the historic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry crossing, which will be complemented by an additional $1.6 million in state funding the Lamont administration is releasing for the project.

These federal and state grants will support the replacement of the 76-year-old MV Selden III, which has served passengers crossing the Connecticut River between Chester and Hadlyme since 1950.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is one of the oldest continuously operating ferry crossings in the United States. Established in 1769 as Warner's Ferry, the crossing is a designated Connecticut State Historic Landmark and continues to provide an important connection across the Connecticut River.

"Connecticut is the proud home of two of the oldest continuously operating ferries in the United States," Governor Lamont said. "The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry once was used to transport supplies across the river during the Revolutionary War, and today it serves as a tourist attraction that draws in visitors to the region. This federal award, combined with our state funding, is going to ensure that this historic ferry can continue operating for many more years to come."

"The MV Selden III has served us well for many years, and we are excited to receive federal support for a new vessel that will allow CTDOT to serve passengers for generations to come and preserve one of America's oldest continuously operating ferry crossings," Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. "We thank the Federal Transit Administration, Governor Lamont, and our federal delegation for helping secure these critical investments for Connecticut and the communities that rely on this ferry every day."

"Thanks to $6.4 million in federal funding, the iconic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is getting an upgrade," U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said. "Tens of thousands of people rely on this ferry each year to safely cross the Connecticut River and I've heard firsthand from passengers about the important role it plays in local commerce and tourism. I will keep fighting for federal resources to support Connecticut's infrastructure projects."

By replacing the aging MV Selden III, the new vessel will help prevent service disruptions and continue to provide an essential emergency transportation option for regional communities. The new vessel will feature diesel hybrid propulsion, which will improve the ferry's reliability and efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and emissions. It will also maintain full ADA accessibility and offer passengers a more comfortable experience.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry supports travel to destinations including Gillette Castle State Park, Goodspeed Musicals, area restaurants and businesses, and state parks and forests throughout the region. It also provides an important connection for bicyclists using the Essex Connecticut River Double Cross bike trail.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry carried more than 60,600 passengers and 27,900 vehicles in 2025, and has already carried more than 34,600 passengers and 15,800 vehicles in 2026, underscoring the continued demand for this historic Connecticut River crossing.

The FTA is awarding approximately $665 million in competitive grants to modernize ferry infrastructure and expand ferry service across the United States. The federal agency selected 23 projects in 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including CTDOT's $6.4 million award for the replacement of the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry vessel. FTA's ferry grant programs support projects that modernize ferry infrastructure, launch new ferry routes, and fund new vessels to provide communities with reliable transportation connections.

In addition to the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, CTDOT also operates the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, which was established in 1655 and is the oldest continuously operating ferry crossing in the United States.

For additional information on Connecticut's ferries, including fares, schedules, and complete history, visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries.