The Maine Department of Transportation (Maine DOT) has been awarded a $35,000,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program under CFDA 20.532. This grant will fund the construction of a new hybrid-electric ferry to replace the 35-year-old Margaret Chase Smith ferry that primarily serves the island of Islesboro, a rural community located 3 miles off the coast of Maine. The new ferry will provide reliable, sustainable transportation for the roughly 600 year-round residents of Islesboro, increase vehicle capacity, enhance passenger safety, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning from a diesel vessel to an environmentally friendly hybrid-electric design. The project is expected to be completed by November 2026.
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