STATEN ISLAND, NY – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) on February 15 announced the New York City Department of Transportation will be awarded a $1 million federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration to improve the reliability and efficiency of the Staten Island Ferry fleet.

“For more than 200 years, the Staten Island Ferry has been an integral part of our City’s transportation system,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “With over 70,000 riders per day and 22 million riders per year, our ferry system provides commuters and visitors with a free alternative to travel by bus, car, or subway. I’m pleased to see federal dollars return to New York City to support critical upgrades that will modernize our ferry vessels and, in turn, provide more reliable and efficient service for our community. By making necessary investments in our existing fleet, we maximize the longevity of these boats and save money in the long run.”

This grant is being awarded under the Passenger Ferry Grant Program that provides funding for eligible projects to support existing passenger ferry service, establish new ferry service, and upgrade ferry boats, terminals, and related facilities and equipment. Specifically, these funds will be used to upgrade and modernize existing Staten Island Ferry vessels with propulsion technology to improve service reliability, efficiency, and air quality for riders.

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis is a member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) where she sits on the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Malliotakis is the only member from New York City serving on the T&I Committee.