Kaptur Announces $10.37 Million Award for Ferry Infrastructure Enhancement at Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie Islands
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) has announced a major federal investment to improve ferry infrastructure for the Lake Erie islands, specifically targeting Put-in-Bay. A grant of $10.37 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) will support the construction of a 406-foot stone breakwater at the main ferry terminal on South Bass Island, ensuring safer, more resilient transit for residents, tourists, and businesses. The funding is part of the FY24 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), aimed at improving essential transportation infrastructure across the U.S.
Enhancing Ferry Infrastructure for Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie Islands
The project focuses on bolstering the ferry system serving South Bass Island, a key destination for visitors and a vital community hub in Northwest Ohio. Put-in-Bay, located on Lake Erie, relies heavily on ferry services, particularly from Miller Boat Line, Inc., by volume the largest ferry operator on the island by a wide margin.
The awarded funds will facilitate the first phase of the “Breakwater for Main Ferry Terminal” project. This phase will see the construction of a durable breakwall designed to protect the ferry dock from the challenges posed by rising water levels and extreme weather, including heavy winds and storms. The new breakwater will provide critical protection to ferry operations, ensuring that ferry services continue to run smoothly, even in challenging conditions.
Use These Quick Links To Plan A PIB Trip!
- Things To Do At Put-in-Bay
- 2025 Put-in-Bay Event Calendar Soon!
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- Put-in-Bay Ferry Service
Key Benefits of the Ferry Infrastructure Investment
The construction of the breakwater will significantly enhance the resilience and safety of the ferry terminal, which is crucial to the local economy. The improvements will benefit not only the island’s residents but also nearly 850,000 annual visitors who rely on the ferry system for access to South Bass Island. The project will also create a designated maintenance berth, providing a secure mooring space for ferries during repairs. Additionally, the maintenance berth will serve as an alternate loading area for passengers, vehicles, and cargo when the main terminal is temporarily unavailable due to weather or other operational issues.
You can read the official press release here.
Supporting Miller Boat Line and the Lake Erie Islands Economy
This federal investment directly supports the operations of Miller Boat Line, Inc., which plays a vital role in connecting South Bass Island to Ohio’s mainland. The ferry is the primary mode of transportation to and from the island, essential for tourism, emergency services, and the daily needs of year-round residents. With rising lake levels and unpredictable weather increasingly threatening ferry operations, the construction of the breakwater is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the future of ferry services and preserving the economic stability of the region.
The $10.37 million investment in Put-in-Bay’s ferry infrastructure reflects the commitment to strengthening the transportation links that connect Ohio’s Lake Erie islands with the mainland. By enhancing the resilience of the ferry terminal and ensuring safe passage for passengers and goods, this project will help ensure that Put-in-Bay and surrounding islands remain accessible and thriving, regardless of the challenges posed by Lake Erie’s changing conditions.
For those planning to visit Put-in-Bay, the infrastructure upgrades will make ferry travel more reliable and secure, reinforcing the region’s status as a beloved tourist destination.
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