A proposed ferry system across the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland could improve access to key coastal communities in the region, according to a recent year-long study.
Representatives of the five-county area are evaluating potential routes that would connect 14 key communities in the area via the proposed Baseline Passenger Ferry System.
“The study found there would be six routes, and they found the hubs would be Baltimore and Annapolis,” said Heather Tinelli, director of economic and tourism development for Queen Anne’s County. “Then they would traverse the bay to Matapeake which is in Queen Anne’s county and or down to somerset and St. Mary’s.”
The Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Consortium, which commissioned the study, said the ferry system has the potential to generate significant regional economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism revenue.
The Baseline startup requires at least $8 million in vessel acquisition costs, up to $5 million in station improvements and approximately $5 million in annual operating costs, the consortium said. The study recommended seeking grants and pursuing a public-private partnership to leverage expertise and maximize affordability.
The five counties are currently evaluating transportation options for passengers traveling between towns.
The six initial proposed routes could run using a combination of 49-passenger and 149-passenger ferries.
In recent years, communities on both the western and eastern shores have lost their water transportation connectivity, leading to a loss of access to many areas other than by private boat or limited charters, the consortium said.
“The Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Feasibility Study and the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Consortium showcase the transformative potential of our region,” said Kristen Pironis, executive director of Visit Annapolis. “As we explore next steps, this opportunity can expand to include partners across the Bay. We are optimistic about the study results and the path forward, which could better connect our Chesapeake Bay destinations and create economic impact across the entire state.”
Sixty-seven percent of people surveyed expressed interest in bringing a passenger ferry system to the area. Additionally, 62% of respondents in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Queen Anne’s, Somerset and St. Mary’s counties said they would be open to more activities for visitors to their communities as well as area residents.
The consortium led the study to identify a limited short-term Baseline Passenger Ferry System to focus on immediate investments, develop ridership forecasts, conduct financial analyses, and provide ideas for advancing the project.
More communities and routes could be added down the line, the consortium said.
“A key part of our approach has included visits to and engagement with representatives from each identified host community to better understand the level of interest, available infrastructure, and types of available tourism/visitor activities that could help drive ridership for the system,” the consortium said. “We are also assessing the potential of the new service to stimulate economic growth opportunities, with a particular focus on our more rural communities.”
Photo by Ben Schumin
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