NEW ORLEANS — Saturday, the RTA held a public meeting to address upcoming renovations to the Algiers Point Ferry Terminal. Meanwhile, the RTA continues to search for permanent funding for the ferry itself, which is something leadership said will not affect the renovation plans.
An RTA spokesperson said about 50 people came to Saturday’s meeting. “We've been going to the community periodically,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO of the RTA, to hear “What riders wanted to happen with the ferry terminal, and then updating them on what we can actually do.”
The plans include splitting the building into two floors and opening the first floor to the public, covering the noisy metal gangplank, and adding landscaping and outdoor lighting.
“This has been kind of an eyesore and I’m glad they’re gonna fix it up,” said regular rider Tom Roche, who attended Saturday’s meeting.
Haskins said construction is scheduled to start in the spring of 2025. It is estimated that it will take about a year.
As it gets ready to begin the final phase of the project, the RTA is still trying to secure funding to operate the ferry itself. The Times-Picayune reports the budget shortfall is around $7 million. “We have never had a dedicated funding stream to cover the cost of ferries,” said Hankins.
The Chalmette-Lower Algiers ferry receives regular state funding but the Canal Street-Algiers Point ferry does not. “Part of that has to do with federal regulations,” said Hankins. “When they built the second bridge for the Crescent City Connection in the 80’s, then they weren't required to operate the ferry.”
In the past, tolls from the Crescent City Connection provided a regular source of funding for the ferry. By the time the RTA took over the ferries a decade ago, tolls were no longer being collected.
To operate the ferry, the RTA has been relying on sporadic state and city funding as well as federal COVID relief money. When WWL Louisiana asked whether the ferry could have its hours cut, Hankins said, “All things are possible,” adding that the RTA proposed exactly that last year and was given money by the City to “close the gap.”
The money for the ferry terminal renovation, however, has already been secured. “They are unconnected, one is to capital investments and the other one is operating,” Hankins said of the different revenue sources.
Another meeting to discuss the renovation plan is set for Wednesday, November 20. It will be held virtually from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
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