Senator Collins Announces $6 Million Grant to Replace Casco Bay Ferry

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the Casco Bay Island Transit District (CBITD), also known as Casco Bay Lines, will receive $6 million to replace a ferry that has exceeded its useful life.  U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao called Senator Collins to personally inform her of this important federal grant award.

“Maine’s ferry services, including Casco Bay Lines, are a critical component of our state’s transportation system and vital to those who live and work in our island communities, providing passenger, freight, and postal services, and transporting students to high school and people to their jobs,” said Senator Collins.  “This funding is crucial to ensuring the ferry system will be able to continue safe and reliable operations in Casco Bay for many years to come.”

Last October, Senators Collins and Angus King sent a letter to the Federal Transit Administration in support of the grant application submitted by CBITD.  

Operating since 1981, CBITD provides year-round ferry service to six inhabited islands in Casco Bay.  CBITD’s five ferries transport more than one million passengers, 30,000 vehicles, and 5,300 tons of freight annually.