$20M announced for Lewes-Cape May Ferry

LEWES, Del. – The US Department of Transportation recently announced a $20 million dollar grant for the Lewes-Cape May Ferry System.

Those funds will help cover the estimated $81.5 million price tag for constructing a brand new vessel to add to the fleet.

The new ship will replace one of four currently in operation.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority said this addition will improve reliability and significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

“The main reason we were awarded the grant is because this is a hybrid vessel…The emission reduction we’re estimating will be anywhere from 30 to 90% depending on the pollutant,” said Heath Gerhke, Director of Operations for the ferry system.

He added that the design process for the new ferry is about 90% complete. Once finished, shipyards around the country will put in bids for the order.

DRBA hopes to have construction completed by mid-2027.