I just received the following press release from TXDOT. This is great news for Port Aransas!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Two Ferry Boats Go Out for Construction Bids
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Corpus Christi District will be accepting bids on the construction of two 28 car capacity vehicle ferry boats for the Port Aransas Ferry System until 1:00 pm on August 12, 2009. TxDOT has worked for a number of years with the City of Port Aransas and planned to construct a new 28 car ferry boat to fulfill commitments to increase capacity of the ferry operation. Funding was established through conventional methods as well as money made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) earlier this year. In mid-July TxDOT was notified that the ARRA funding nomination was approved for $7.2 million. “Selection of the AARA project provided the opportunity to increase the number of ferry boats being constructed from one to two, and further enhance improvements to the Port Aransas Ferry System,” said Russel Lenz, Corpus Christi District Engineer. The second ferry boat will replace one of the older boats. TXDOT's will be able to take advantage of recovery act regular funds set aside in DC by committing state matching funds at this time to purchase 2 new 28 car ferries while prices are great. This adds a boat to the fleet and takes the first necessary step to retire one of the older higher maintenance vessels. TXDOT has shown great leadership and focus to take advantage of this opportunity and we are thrilled with their decision,” Michael Kovacs, Port Aransas City Manager said.
“The money for the ferry project, which is made available through our stimulus package, will go to the purchase of a new ferry boat that will provide expanded passenger and vehicle ferry services over the Corpus Christi Channel between State Highway 361 in Port Aransas and State Highway 361 on Harbor Island,” Congressman Solomon Ortiz said. The ferry also supports pedestrian traffic desiring access to the island for occupational and tourism purposes. “The awarding of this money is an excellent opportunity to help TXDOT support the Port Aransas ferry system. TXDOT's use of this money for an additional new 28-car ferry boat shows their commitment to meet the transportation demands of this area.
It will also aid in the evacuation needs of the Coastal Bend in the event of a weather emergency," said Representative Todd Hunter.
The ferry system’s current traffic volumes average 5,850 vehicles per day. It is anticipated that traffic volumes will increase to an average of 8,000 vehicles per day over the next 10 years with the potential of peak periods in excess of 13,000 vehicles per day. “This project will increase the existing ferry fleet from six to seven ferry boats and allow TxDOT to move forward with addressing demands and the expected increase in daily traffic. The construction of the second ferry boat also allows us to retire one of the older boats and reduce maintenance expenses while increasing over capacity,” said Russel Lenz. Delivery of the two new 28 car ferry boats is anticipated in spring 2011 with an estimated cost of $14,760,000.
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