[StBernard] Two plans considered to keep ferries running when bridge tolls expire

[Westley Annis]

Two plans considered to keep ferries running when bridge tolls expire

wwltv.com

Posted on March 13, 2012 at 6:15 PM

Updated yesterday at 6:21 PM

Paul Murphy / Eyewitness News

Email: pmurphy at wwltv.com | Twitter: @pmurphywwl

NEW ORLEANS -- Tolls on the Crescent City Connection bridge in New Orleans
now subsidize ferry operations in Algiers, Gretna and Chalmette. With the
tolls set to expire at the end of the year, the state will soon be offering
private companies $4 million a year to run the ferries.

Algiers State Senator David Heitmeier said a one-time payment of $16 million
to $18 million in state and federal funds would also be used to upgrade the
ferries and terminals.

"We can revamp the ferries, actually purchase new boats and also revamp the
ferry landings," said Heitmeier, "to make it a package to where it would be
very much appealing to a privatization."

State Rep. Pat Connick, R-Marrero, is working with New Orleans area
lawmakers to create a Metropolitan Ferry Authority.

The proposal, backed by the Regional Planning Commission, would set up a new
board similar to the RTA. It would have the authority to hire the private
operator, set fares, issue bonds and raise taxes.

Fay Faron from the non-profit "Friends of the Ferry" likes the idea.

"I really think it has to have its own entity because we've been under the
gun all of these years because the DOTD really didn't want the ferries and
shouldn't be in the ferry business," said Faron.

The Port of New Orleans is also being quietly courted to manage the ferries.

Port spokesman Chris Bonura says the port would "serve as a conduit for
privatization."

He also said, "Even though we are not in the public transportation business,
we are listening with an open mind."

Passengers we spoke with said they are not opposed to paying a fee to ride
the ferry.

"They used to have pedestrians paying a quarter coming this way and they did
away with it," said Tony Carter. "I think it's a good idea."

"It is definitely worth saving," said Wayne Jackson. "I mean, what's a
dollar, coming and going?"

Faron says fares alone won't keep the ferries operating long term.

"There's not public transportation anywhere in the nation that pays for
itself," said Faron. "So, that we would be expect to do that is not even
realistic. There has to be a subsidy. Public transporation is always
subsidized."

The so called Metropolitan Ferry Authority Act is expected to be filed this
week.

The bill has yet to find a lead author, but several New Orleans area
lawmakers are currently reviewing the legislation.