Award Advances Bryan-Roach Administration’s Investment in Inter-Island Transportation
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration has awarded the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works $2.5 million for a new passenger ferry serving St. Thomas and Water Island, continuing the Bryan-Roach Administration’s effort to strengthen marine transportation across the Territory.
The award was made through FTA’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program as part of approximately $665 million in ferry investments announced nationwide, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Reliable transportation between our islands is essential to the way we live, work and move throughout the Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan said. “This investment will improve service for the Water Island community, strengthen its connection to St. Thomas and build on the progress we have made to expand ferry transportation across the Territory.”
The new vessel will increase passenger capacity between Crown Bay, St. Thomas, and Water Island and provide a more dependable transportation option for residents, workers and visitors who rely on the route.
The grant is the latest in a series of investments by the Bryan-Roach Administration to improve inter-island ferry service.
DPW commissioned the Spirit of 1733 in 2023 for service between Red Hook, St. Thomas, and Cruz Bay, St. John. The 104-foot vessel can carry up to 300 passengers and is the largest passenger ferry in the government’s fleet.
The administration is also advancing a new St. Croix–St. Thomas passenger and vehicle ferry, supported by $20 million in GARVEE bond funding. The high-speed vessel is being developed to carry approximately 202 passengers and 12 to 16 passenger vehicles between the two districts and is moving through design and production.
“Each of these projects responds to a real transportation need in the Virgin Islands,” DPW Acting Commissioner Reuben Jennings said. “The Spirit of 1733 strengthened service between St. Thomas and St. John. The St. Croix–St. Thomas vessel will create a new option for moving passengers and vehicles between the districts. This latest award will allow us to improve service to Water Island. Together, these investments are giving the Territory a stronger and more capable ferry network.”
The Federal Transit Administration selected 23 projects in 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for approximately $665 million in Fiscal Year 2026 ferry investments. The funding supports new vessels, ferry routes and terminal improvements in communities that depend on marine transportation for daily travel and commerce.
Governor Bryan credited DPW for securing the award and continuing to pursue federal resources for the Territory’s transportation priorities.
“Our administration has worked consistently to bring federal dollars home and put them to work in ways that improve everyday life for Virgin Islanders,” Governor Bryan said. “We have invested in roads, bridges, public transit and ferry service because these are the systems that connect our communities and support our economy. This award is another step in that work and another investment that will serve the people of the Virgin Islands for years to come.”
###
Comments are closed