Annapolis committee advances plans for federally funded hybrid ferry pilot amid questions on costs and routes

City staff and community groups on May 14 presented plans to use a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant to pilot a diesel-electric passenger ferry connecting downtown Annapolis and waterfront destinations, while committee members pressed for clearer estimates of ongoing operating costs and landing locations.

Director Johnson, speaking for the Department of Recreation and Parks, described the grant as more than a transportation project. "This investment represents much more than transportation," she said, adding that the ferry would expand access to Cars Beach and other waterfront sites and reduce pressure on neighborhood parking.

Why it matters: the grant funds would pay for vessels and terminal improvements that staff and advocates say could expand mobility options for seniors, residents without cars, and visitors, and link the city’s resilience and cultural projects — including restoration work at Cars Beach and interpretive programming developed by community groups.

Details and funding: staff said the FTA award totals about $2.975 million. Presentation slides and staff remarks allocated up to $1.8 million toward up to two…