NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell joined representatives from the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority and other officials last week to help break ground on the new Canal Street ferry terminal project.
“We have made equitable transportation a top priority in this administration, and we cannot have equitable transportation without solid infrastructure at its foundation,” said Cantrell. “We are excited to see the progress being made at the Canal Street Ferry Terminal in this two-year redevelopment project that will allow us to more efficiently move our residents between downtown and Algiers, and with minimal interruption to service while the work is getting done.”
The groundbreaking kicks off a two-year redevelopment project replacing the existing terminal with a smaller, ADA-compliant terminal and bridge. Once completed, the new terminal will connect the Audubon Aquarium to Spanish Plaza. Construction is anticipated to be completed by summer 2022 with no major impacts to current ferry and transit services expected.
“A project of this magnitude can only be successful with collaboration and a shared vision with the community and civic leaders,” said Flozell Daniels, Jr., Chair, RTA Board of Commissioners. “The RTA Board proudly makes this investment in the new ferry terminal because it will activate the Riverfront to improve safety and access for our residents and visitors, drive job creation and small business expansion, and improve the public transit experience for all ferry riders.”
The Canal Street ferry terminal project has a total budget of $43.5 million and is funded by contributions from the Federal Transit Administration, Regional Transit Authority, City of New Orleans, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The FTA’s 2015 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant program provided $12 million for the ferry terminal redevelopment accompanied by an additional $12 million in other Federal Transit Administration funding sources. The State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development provided the local funding match in the amount of $2 million. Additional funding of approximately of $12 million is provided through matches from the City of New Orleans and RTA in addition to a $5 million land match.
