Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County official says Chesapeake Bay fast-ferry study is 'alive' but implementation will be phased and regional
Summary
Somerset County’s Parks & Tourism director told Crisfield council the multi-county feasibility study for a Chesapeake Bay fast-passenger ferry recommends phased public–private steps, remains dependent on operator interest and weather/logistics constraints, and will require consortium coordination and further stakeholder outreach.
Clint Sterling, Somerset County director of parks and tourism, updated Crisfield’s Mayor and Council on March 25 about a multi-county U.S. EDA-funded feasibility study for a Chesapeake Bay fast-passenger ferry.
Sterling said five jurisdictions participated in the study—Somerset, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Calvert Counties and Annapolis/Anne Arundel—and that Anne Arundel served as the financial lead. He said the study, released in August 2024, concluded that ferry service across the Bay would be complex, would likely be deployed in phases, and depends on factors including vessel operators, weather and docking locations. "It's no easy feat to run multiple people over open water in the Chesapeake Bay," Sterling said, noting the need for operator interest and suitable infrastructure.
Sterling said the consortium continues to meet and work with stakeholders and vessel operators; initial service could start with limited trips or a southern-route pilot depending on partner commitments. He emphasized that the plan does not presume a single vessel owned jointly by the five jurisdictions, and said a mix of private operators or multiple smaller vessels could be considered. Sterling encouraged realistic, phased approaches and said the county and the consortium are exploring transportation funding options and marketing itineraries to make the route attractive.
Council members welcomed the update and asked for concrete metrics the county could provide about potential ridership and infrastructure needs; Sterling said those details will be refined as operator talks and partner planning proceed. He directed residents and businesses seeking involvement to the county tourism website and the ongoing consortium outreach.
