[StBernard] Deal to run Algiers and Chalmette ferries in place

[Westley Annis]

Deal to run Algiers and Chalmette ferries in place

wwltv.com

Posted on December 17, 2013 at 10:11 PM

Updated Tuesday, Dec 17 at 10:50 PM

Paul Murphy / Eyewitness News

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

NEW ORLEANS -- State Sen. David Heitmeier, D-Algiers, confirmed there is an
agreement in principal between the RTA, its transit manager Veolia
Transportation and the state Department of Transportation and Development.

Veolia would operate the Algiers-Canal Street and Chalmette ferries.

DOTD has been running the ferries on a temporary basis since this past
summer. The state decided it did not have the money to keep the ferry
operation without a subsidy from Crescent City Connection toll money.

The tolls rolled off the bridge earlier this year.

A new fare structure to ride the ferries has already been approved.

It is uncertain when Veolia and the RTA will actually take over.

Since Veolia is a French company. It needs special permission from the
federal government to operate in U.S. navigable waters.

Heitmeier said as soon as the company gets that waiver, it could be
operating the boats within 30 days.

Heitmerer said when Veolia takes over the ferry schedule would likely be
extended. The new hours of operation would be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The RTA is expected to officially announce the agreement Wednesday.