LEWES — As plans for adding Cape May-Lewes Ferry vessels to the fleet continue, officials are still seeking public feedback and will also provide an update next week.
The Delaware River & Bay Authority is hosting a virtual information meeting Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.
Spokesman Jim Salmon said the session discussing the ferry master plan is needed because “designing and constructing new vessels for the ferry fleet is a complex process. The next generation of vessels must meet both our requirements and our customers’ expectations.”
He added, “It’s important to have an exchange of ideas and feedback from our stakeholders — our employees who operate these vessels 365 days a year, our customers who rely on the service and the community leaders who understand the economic value of the ferry service.”
Mr. Salmon said some timeline issues would likely be discussed at the meeting.
Representatives from the consultant and naval architect firm Elliott Bay Design Group, as well as ferry staff, will be present to talk about the information.
Registration is required here. After registering, participants will receive an email about joining the online meeting. The webinar will allow attendees to listen in and provide comments via a chat box.
For those who can’t attend, feedback is being accepted via marinemasterplan@drba.net.
The Delaware River & Bay Authority, which owns and operates the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, is completing its Marine Master Plan process, which is taking into consideration ferry ridership, crewing, amenities, levels of service, seaworthiness and costs, the authority said.
According to Mr. Salmon, “Decisions made today will be the foundation for the ferry service for many years to come. It’s a methodical process, and we need to get this right.”
Last year, previous analysis was presented in a series of meetings. The authority’s board then selected a 75-vehicle ferry as the concept to serve the needs of the system into the future. A fleet of four 75-vehicle vessels would be able to accommodate growth assumptions and meet the goals in the Marine Master Plan.
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