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Eastport speakers and council members press for lifecycle analysis as Annapolis advances ferry pilot grant timeline
Summary
Residents and council members questioned the diesel‑electric hybrid ferry pilot's lifecycle costs, crew and maintenance needs, and certification and landing expenses even as the council notes a $2,975,000 federal grant and a fall RFP deadline to meet an October 2027 encumbrance deadline.
The Environmental Matters Committee and members of the public debated the proposed diesel‑electric hybrid ferry pilot during the special meeting.
Alderman Savage summarized the committee’s review and told the council a $2,975,000 federal grant intended to fund the ferry project is in place and staff recommend releasing an RFP no later than this fall to keep the project on track for an October 2027 federal encumbrance deadline. The committee recommended a parallel RFP and an operator request for information plus a community survey so operating costs can be better understood before a binding agreement is made.
Several public commenters urged caution about committing city resources without a full business case. Bridal Wildey, who said she serves on the Maritime Advisory Board but was speaking for herself, warned that lifecycle and maintenance costs could outweigh acquisition savings and argued the grant and feasibility request in the current budget are insufficient. Wildey said the proposed diesel‑electric hybrid series propulsion system ‘‘is only about 20 to 22% [efficient] compared to the 35 to 40% efficiency of direct diesel propeller drive chain’’ and said landing infrastructure at Carr’s Beach could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
‘‘Please do not spend one more dime of taxpayer money on city staff time, studies, RFPs, or anything else on this proposal,’’ Wildey said, urging instead that funds be directed toward resident priorities such as sidewalks and bike lanes.
Council members pressed for more operational detail and noted the committee discussed timing to meet the federal encumbrance deadline. No binding procurement decision was made at the meeting; staff said they plan to advertise an RFP and pursue operator feedback and community input before any binding commitment.
The record shows a federal grant for the ferry pilot is in place and that the RFP timing is time‑sensitive; council and staff will continue examining operating cost estimates and certification/maintenance issues before proceeding.
