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Steamship Authority general manager schedules community forums, outlines Woods Hole terminal progress
Summary
New Steamship Authority GM Alex Krisa committed to community forums before summer, updated the board on vessel repairs and fleet and Woods Hole terminal construction progress, and said the authority would work with town DPW and police on traffic and operations.
Alex Krisa, who recently passed his 100‑day mark as general manager of the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, briefed the select board on operations and capital work and pledged more community engagement.
Krisa said a fast‑boat was out of service for metal repairs but should return to service within days. He described fleet investments (additions of hybrid buses and freight vessels) and the ongoing Woods Hole terminal project, noting canopy glass manufacture and furniture deliveries were in progress and that he expects to take ownership of the terminal building in mid‑June.
Krisa said the authority is reviewing prior procurement and construction decisions tied to an offshore supply vessel project and would conduct a post‑project review to inform future vessel purchases. He also said the authority is preparing its 2027 schedule and will work with town DPW and police to manage early arrivals and reduce traffic backups; he committed to an in‑town community forum before the summer season and a second forum at season’s end to recap operations.
Select board members welcomed the outreach and asked about traffic mitigation, hiring for terminal positions, and exploring freight routes from New Bedford; Krisa said the authority is in early discussions with potential operators and stakeholders.
Krisa invited local residents and officials to meet on site, and said he will coordinate an initial community forum with the authority’s communications team within a few weeks.
Why it matters: The Woods Hole terminal project and ferry operations have immediate traffic and economic consequences for downtown Falmouth; the GM’s pledge to host community forums and to coordinate with town departments is intended to reduce friction during the summer season.
