Proposed Long Branch Ferry Terminal Gets Boost From Pallone

The proposed Long Branch pier and ferry terminal got a big shot in the arm on Thursday when Congressman Frank Pallone announced additional funding for the project.

Last week, Pallone announced that he had received a grant to help fund the final phases of design and engineering for the ferry, with the hope of determining the construction costs and moving forward with project.

Pallone has lead efforts to provide federal funding toward construction on the Long Branch Pier and Ferry Terminal and has previously secured funding for the pier’s design and engineering. The project once started, would create 1,200 jobs during the construction phase and once completed, it will create 600 full-time jobs, according to Pallone.

“Once it’s completed, the Long Branch Ferry will ease the pressure on other major thoroughfares in the region and the pier will provide recreational benefits including fishing opportunities for Jersey Shore residents," Pallone said in a release.

The city has not yet picked a final design for the project and has not announced any plans to begin the project, which would include a ferry that takes passengers from Long Branch to Manhattan, a large pier and amenities such as restaurants and a fishing area.

Check back later this week for a story on the progress the city has made with the pier/ferry project.