[StBernard] Algiers, Chalmette ferries could be run by RTA under bill passed by Louisiana House

[Westley Annis]

Algiers, Chalmette ferries could be run by RTA under bill passed by
Louisiana House

Print By Sheila V Kumar, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune 
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on June 03, 2013 at 11:18 AM, updated June 03, 2013 at 11:19 AM

Legislation allowing the Algiers and Chalmette ferries to be absorbed into
the Regional Transit Authority with funding from the state transportation
department was passed by the Louisiana House Monday. 

Senate Bill 215 by Sen. David Heitmeier, D-New Orleans, would also allow
increased fares to ride the ferries, which come after their funding source
was eliminated from the Crescent City Connection during the debate over the
bridge tolls.

The bill would allow a local public agency or municipality, such as the RTA,
to take over operation of the ferries. It would also permit the organization
to determine the fares.

The bill would create a ferry system with its own dedicated accounts, funded
with $4 million a year from the state Department of Transportation and
Development. Another portion of the operating costs, $800,000, would be
covered by license plate registration fees.

Lawmakers have said around 1 million people travel on the Canal Street to
Algiers ferry each year but the aged ferries are costly to operate because
of their personnel and maintenance costs.

State transportation officials had tried to find private operators to run to
run the ferries last summer, but no one responded. An attempt to sell
advertising at the ferry terminals also failed.

The bill was passed 92-1. It heads back to the Senate for concurrence before
heading to Gov. Bobby Jindal's desk.