New Cape May-Lewes ferry boat in DRBA capital budget
Delaware River and Bay Authority commissioners have adopted the agency’s 2023 capital improvement program along with a five-year strategic plan for its airports and crossing facilities. The improvement program's $208 million comprises $174.7 million in authority resources and $33.3 million in federal, state and local grant funds. It’s the largest capital budget in the authority’s history.
Included in the program are a new Cape May-Lewes Ferry vessel design and replacement of one of three ferries.
“Just like the rest of the country, the DRBA is challenged by its aging infrastructure – bridges built in 1951 and 1968, ferry vessels launched in the 1970s, and airports dating from World War II,” said Vincent Meconi, chief operations officer.
The strategic plan, which contains nearly 100 major capital projects at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the agency’s five regional airport facilities, serves as a planning tool for directing resources to address the increasing demands associated with that infrastructure. This plan is expected to cost about $604.5 million in authority and grant funds. Authority funds consist entirely of tolls and other user fees; no tax dollars are used.
No dredging funds
Not included in the capital budget is money to dredge the docking area at the Lewes terminal to allow for larger boats to use the docks, such as the Kalmar Nyckel. The last time Delaware’s official tall ship docked at the terminal was in 2017. The ship became a major summer attraction each year in Lewes. Because of silt buildup, it has become impossible for the ship to dock at the site. The docking area is used by Freedom Boat Club and Cape Water Tours and Taxi
“Due to the considerable expense involved, we dredge in Lewes only when it is necessary for our own vessel operations. We haven’t had to dredge the berths at the Lewes terminal for more than 10 years. This calculation might also change if significant grant or other external resources became available, but so far they have not been,” said James Salmon, DRBA public information officer.
Several ferry projects
• Corridor upgrades at Lewes and Cape May ferry terminals. The project includes the design and installation of new centralized utility corridors to allow for easier access and maintenance. The Lewes terminal portion has an estimated DRBA cost of $3.8 million in 2023 and $1.8 million beyond 2023.
• Annual vessel maintenance dry docking. The project provides annual capital expenditures for the three ferry vessels, particularly in areas of vessel preservation, and improved passenger safety and operational reliability. Planned projects include, but are not limited to, vessel shipyard dry dockings, purchase of life-saving equipment, seating replacements, systems efficiency upgrades, generator overhauls and other improvements. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $11.65 million in 2023 and $39 million beyond 2023.
• New vessel design. The project includes the design, project management and construction support portion of an overall project to replace vessels in the ferry fleet. Design will include all stages of design for new vessels from concept to final design. Project management/construction support will cover all needs during contract bidding, construction and post‐construction. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $1 million in 2023 and $5 million beyond 2023. The project is partially funded with $460,000 from the U.S. Maritime Administration.
• New vessel construction. Upon completion of new vessel design, construction will begin. A new vessel is estimated to cost $73 million. The plan supports the full replacement of the first of the three existing vessels, and the beginning of construction on a second vessel. This project has an estimated DRBA cost of $99.7 million overall. The project is expected to be partially funded in the amount of $10 million by grants to be determined.
The planning document can be viewed on the authority’s website at drba.net.
