Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $2.3 Million to Expand Waterfront Ferry and Water Transportation on Boston Harbor 

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $2.3 million in new funding to expand ferry and water transportation services on the Boston Harbor. The grants will support six projects that make water-based transit a faster, more affordable, and more accessible option for residents — whether they’re commuting to work, visiting cultural landmarks or exploring educational opportunities along the harbor.  

This initiative is part of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) broader effort to reduce road congestion and make daily travel easier for residents and workers in the region. The projects selected for funding will increase ferry capacity, add new routes and support nonprofit-led programs that use water transportation to bring students and families closer to the region’s cultural and historical assets. 

“We’re making getting around the Harbor faster, easier and more affordable,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Investing in ferries and waterfront transit helps more people get to work, school, appointments and to all of our incredible restaurants and shops on time and at a lower cost.” 

“These projects aren’t just about transportation — they're about creating more activity and opportunity along the waterfront,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Stronger ferry service brings people to local shops, helps tourism and makes it easier for residents to enjoy the harbor. It’s an investment in the local economy as much as it is in commuting.” 

This is the inaugural Boston Harbor Water Transportation grant. Projects receiving funding include the MBTA’s redesigned Winthrop/Quincy ferry routes, which will triple daily passenger capacity between the Seaport, Winthrop and Quincy. Additionally, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s Seaport ferry will be able to transport more commuters from North Station to the Seaport and East Boston. Several non-profit organizations that use water transportation for educational and cultural programming on Boston Harbor are also receiving funding.  

“These funds help take cars off the road and improve access to sustainable transportation options, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are making smart investments in our future – reducing pollution, improving air quality, and making our daily commutes part of the solution.” 

“Water is one of our most valuable assets in Massachusetts,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “These grants connect our workers and students with affordable transportation options and make Boston Harbor and all its amenities more accessible for the public.” 

MassDEP is responsible for protecting and promoting the public’s use of waterfront areas. It administers the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act, known as “Chapter 91.” The program issues licenses for projects in waterways and ensures that these projects meet public-access requirements.   

As part of MassDEP’s licensing process for development on Boston Harbor, licensees agree to contribute financially to water transportation. This is intended to ensure that transportation options via Boston Harbor keep pace with new development. This grant opportunity uses those funds to support projects that enhance and promote water transportation on Boston Harbor. 

“Water transportation is quickly becoming a go to mode under the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s leadership. I thank Secretary Tepper and Commissioner Heiple for this grant that allows us to improve the Quincy and Winthrop ferry routes where ridership has increased over 100 percent; delivering faster, more reliable, and fully accessible ferry service for the public that we serve,” said MBTA Phillip Eng General Manager and CEO. “I’m proud of the MBTA team as we make strategic investments delivering improved water transportation as part of our multimodal mass transportation system and allow all to experience the beauty of the Boston Harbor and our waterfront communities.”   

The following grant proposals were selected: 

MBTA (awarded $1 million) 

• The award will support a redesigned route for the Winthrop/Quincy commuter ferry, tripling daily passenger capacity and saving riders up to 45 minutes round trip by eliminating route inefficiencies.  The new, separate routes serving Quincy and Winthrop make stops at Logan Airport, the Seaport, and Aquarium. 

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School (awarded $250,000) 

• The award will support critical repair and upgrades to the Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School’s ferry that transports thousands of students, volunteers, and event attendees to/from Cathleen Stone Island every year. 

Save the Harbor / Save the Bay (awarded $400,000) 

• The award will support Save the Harbor / Save the Bay’s free cruise program, which offers free educational trips to Boston Harbor Islands and educational programming on the rich history of the harbor and its islands. 

Boston Harbor Now (awarded $200,000) 

• The award will support Boston Harbor Now’s Community Cruise Program by funding water transportation services associated with innovative climate education and cultural activities serving vulnerable populations and Environmental Justice populations in the Boston region. 

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (awarded $400,000) 

• This award will support free or subsidized tickets for service workers commuting to the Seaport and operations costs for the East Boston-to-Seaport Ferry route. 

Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard (awarded $81,500) 

• This award will fund dock improvements in the Charlestown Navy Yard, including additional signage and public seating. 

Please visit our Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant webpage for more information. 

Statements of Support: 

Chris Mancini, Executive Director, Save the Harbor / Save the Bay: 
"When you're on deck on a free Save the Harbor trip - or an MBTA ferry - you understand that Boston Harbor is what connects this city and its people," said Save the Harbor Executive Director Chris Mancini. "Thank you to the Healey/Driscoll Administration and the DEP for dedicating these funds to ensure everyone, regardless of income, language, race or ability can get out onto the water and make those connections." 

Sylvia Watts McKinney, CEO & President, Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School: 
“We are extremely grateful to the MASS Department of Environmental Protection for awarding Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School a $250,000 grant to support essential repairs to our ferry. This vessel is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a crucial lifeline for our community. It enables us to continue our educational, conservation, and community engagement missions. Your investment ensures the reliability of this critical transportation link, strengthens our environmental stewardship, and supports the future of the people and programs we serve. We sincerely appreciate DEP's commitment to preserving both our natural resources and the opportunities that connect our community.” 

Linda Orel, Chief Impact Officer, Boston Harbor Now: 
“Boston Harbor Now is proud to support MassDEP’s Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant, which will expand ferry service and create more opportunities for people to connect with our waterfront. By increasing transit options, we can make it easier for residents and visitors to reach one of our region’s most important public resources. This investment will also strengthen access to Boston Harbor’s cultural and educational destinations, engaging more people to share in the history, beauty, and vibrancy of the harbor, while supporting public health and well being. It’s a meaningful step toward a more connected, accessible, and vibrant waterfront for all.” 

Marcel Vernon, Sr., Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority: 
“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for their commitment to expanding water transportation services on Boston Harbor. In addition to the cultural and educational opportunities that the grant creates, this award will continue to allow us to grow ridership on our existing ferry service and will be a significant resource for service workers commuting to the South Boston Waterfront.” 

Michael W. Parker, Chairperson, Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard: 
“The Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard is thrilled to receive a Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant to improve access to water transportation at the Harborview Dock in the Navy Yard. The Grant will increase awareness of the availability of water transit options to residents and visitors to Charlestown. Many in Charlestown depend on water transportation to access other neighborhoods along the waterfront for work and play and know that they have the best commute in the city. Our hope is that enough people utilize this convenient and dependable form of transit to justify an expansion of service in the very near future.” 

Kate Dineen, President & CEO, A Better City: 
"Water transit plays a vital role in supporting our region's economic growth and competitiveness. With today's announcement, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is again taking a whole of government approach to expanding public transportation and drawing more commuters and visitors out of their cars and onto the water." 

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