In a fresh turn for Staten Island commuters, $5.75 million in federal funding has been secured by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis to uplift the aging St. George Ferry Terminal. Flowing in from the Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program, this financial push targets urgent upgrades—from rebuilding weather-worn bus ramps to installing energy-saving chillers. As the ferry daily carries nearly 70,000 passengers, the improvements promise safer, smoother, and cooler journeys—literally. With smart fixes on deck, Staten Island’s key transit lifeline is finally set for a much-needed refresh.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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$5.75M secured through Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program
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Funding announced by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)
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Two major infrastructure projects planned for St. George Ferry Terminal
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Replacement of deteriorated bus ramp passageways for safer commuter access
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New energy-efficient chillers to enhance terminal climate control systems
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Staten Island Ferry moves nearly 70,000 passengers daily
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Projects to be led by New York City Department of Transportation
In a noteworthy development for Staten Island’s commuter network, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) has secured $5.75 million in federal funding to support major upgrades at the historic St. George Ferry Terminal. The funding, allocated through the Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program, is aimed at bolstering infrastructure that tens of thousands of New Yorkers rely on daily.
The Staten Island Ferry system, a cornerstone of the city’s public transportation for over a century, plays a vital role in linking Staten Island to the heart of Manhattan. With ridership reaching nearly 70,000 passengers per day, the ferry is not just a scenic route across the harbor—it’s a crucial transportation lifeline for residents, workers, and visitors navigating the boroughs.
According to the announcement from Rep. Malliotakis’s office, the funding will be allocated to two distinct but equally critical projects spearheaded by the New York City Department of Transportation. Both are intended to address long-standing maintenance issues while also ensuring the terminal meets the evolving demands of modern-day transit.
One portion of the funding will go toward the complete replacement of the deteriorating bus ramp passageways, which have long suffered from water damage, structural aging, and a layout that no longer suits current transit operations. For years, commuters have navigated these outdated corridors that were neither adequately protected from the elements nor designed with present-day accessibility standards in mind. The upcoming renovations will prioritize passenger safety and accessibility, featuring improved weather protection and an overall more intuitive layout that supports smoother transfers between the ferry, buses, and the Staten Island Railway.
The second component of the project involves a substantial upgrade to the terminal’s cooling systems. The facility’s current chillers—responsible for removing heat from circulating water to control building temperatures—will be replaced with newer, energy-efficient models. These upgrades are expected to enhance temperature regulation, particularly in maintenance zones where stable environmental conditions are crucial for both worker safety and the preservation of temperature-sensitive tools and materials.
The project arrives at a pivotal time, as the city continues to examine the resilience and efficiency of its transportation systems in the wake of growing climate concerns, increased commuter traffic, and aging infrastructure.
“The Staten Island Ferry isn’t just a form of transportation—it’s a daily necessity for tens of thousands of people,” Congresswoman Malliotakis said in a press statement. “Securing this critical investment is a major win for our community and will help improve the daily lives of my constituents. These upgrades are long overdue and will make a measurable difference in the safety, efficiency, and overall experience for ferry passengers.”
With nearly half a million Staten Islanders relying on the ferry for access to work, school, healthcare, and commerce, the improvements are expected to ease daily commutes and support the broader economic activity between the boroughs. The upgrades also align with larger citywide efforts to modernize transit facilities, reduce energy consumption, and improve the passenger experience.
As the projects move forward under the direction of the NYC Department of Transportation, commuters can expect visible changes to the St. George Terminal in the near future. While construction may bring temporary disruptions, the long-term impact of these enhancements is intended to support a safer, more resilient, and commuter-friendly terminal for years to come.
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