LEWES — Two members of Delaware’s Democratic Congressional delegation, U.S. Sen. Thomas Carper and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, on Friday welcomed federal funding earmarked for the Delaware River and Bay Authority’s ferry system.

The $600,000 grant, awarded from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s America’s Marine Highway Program, will support DRBA’s new master plan for deploying modern, efficient, and environmentally cleaner ferryboats.

The master plan will include a comprehensive analysis of operations and service needs to help determine the types, sizes, and the number of ferries needed in the future. To support the nationwide push toward a low-carbon future, the ferry system will also be capable of incorporating technologies within the vessels — such as electric vehicle charging stations — that benefit consumers and the environment.

“Ferries take cars off the road, provide a quick, scenic way to travel, and support local tourism industries,” said Sen. Carper. “Last fall, we recognized the important role that ferries have in our nation through the historic investments we included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. By making ferries an even cleaner and more energy-efficient mode of transportation, we can reduce emissions and support good-paying jobs.

“The Cape-May Lewes Ferry has been a key part of Delaware’s identity and tourism engine for decades. Today’s investment in the Delaware River and Bay Authority will take our ferry system to the next level, developing a modern, clean, and efficient fleet,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester.

Thomas J. Cook, executive director of the DRBA said the new planning document – including the conceptual design of new ferry vessels – “will guide our future decision making process. Our goal is to improve service and reduce operating costs while laying the foundation for sustainable ferry operations for the next generation of our customers.”