OCEAN CITY — A five-county Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Consortium released a Passenger Ferry Feasibility study identifying promising opportunities to enhance transportation and economic growth across coastal communities in Maryland.
The year-long study was released at this year’s Maryland Association of Counties Conference, held in Ocean City last week. According to the study, the baseline system for the passenger ferry plan is estimated to handle approximately 50,000 riders per season. There are six potential passenger ferry routes, all branching out to different communities in the Chesapeake Bay including Baltimore, Annapolis, Easton and St. Michaels.
Despite an estimated $2.5 million in revenue, the study states that without adjustments or additional funding the ferry system will operate with an anticipated loss of $2.5 million during its first year. But the study shows that the ferry system could stimulate economic growth in the region.
Heather Tinelli, director of economic and tourism development for Queen Anne’s County, said the study was brought together through a grant awarded to the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Consortium from the Economic Development Administration.
According to Tinelli, if the study is implemented, it has the potential to have a more than $14 million annual economic impact and create over 140 jobs.
“It's certainly not something that's going to happen overnight, but it is feasible, and if it's phased in I think there'll be a lot of visitors and residents that would look forward to the opportunity of getting out in the water,” Tinelli said.
The study found significant support from community partners and stakeholders for a regional ferry system, with 67% of survey respondents expressing interest in the ferry service and 62% of community partners interested in engaging activities for visitors as well as residents.
Kristen Pironis, executive director of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, said in a press release that the study and the consortium showcases the transformative potential of the Chesapeake Bay.
“Five counties across the state joined forces to work on this effort,” Pironis said. “As we explore next steps, this opportunity can expand to include partners across the Bay. We are optimistic about the study results and the path forward, which could better connect our Chesapeake Bay destinations and create economic impact across the entire state."
The five-counties consortium consisted of representatives from Anne Arundel, Calvert, Queen Anne’s, Somerset and St. Mary’s counties.
Tinelli noted the consortium worked hard to provide this information to the public and hopefully, if properly implemented, the results will benefit communities throughout the Shore.
“Tourism is a major economic development driver in the state of Maryland, and we feel that working in a regional approach as a consortium, and a Chesapeake Bay region is helpful, even if the ferry doesn't move forward," she said. "To work together to boost the whole region as a whole is a way to move the state's economy forward.”
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