The Michigan Department of Transportation was awarded $6.6 million in federal money to help fund the purchase of a new passenger ferry to serve Beaver Island, U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow announced Thursday.
The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Ferry Service Rural Communities Program, which was established by the 2022 bipartisan infrastructure law. The new ferry will provide transportation between Beaver Island and Charlevoix
“Ferry service is a lifeline for Beaver Island, and this investment will provide needed funding to help purchase a new passenger ferry,” Peters said.
Two ferries currently service Beaver Island, one of which is more than 60 years old. The money will go toward the purchase of a new environmentally friendly ferry and toward dock renovations.
“The ferry system is essential for transporting residents, seasonal visitors, tourists, vehicles and freight – all of which are necessary for the community and economy,” said Mary Cook, executive director of the Beaver Island Transportation Authority.
