Volunteers Needed: Save the Ferry

Organizers are looking for volunteers to help handout postcards at the Chester-Hadlyme ferry on Friday and Saturday this week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested in helping are being asked to contact Susannah Griffin by email at zannadoo@live.com or by phone at 860-885-9371.

The effort is in response to the  provision of a 30-day period, from August 5 to September 5, for public comment on its decision to alter Routes 148 and 160 by closing the Chester-Hadlyme and Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferries respectively. 

During this period individuals and groups are encouraged to write or email with concerns, suggestions and general comments about the proposal. There will also be an opportunity to present concerns at a p on the topic scheduled for Thursday, August 25 from 6-8 p.m. at the Chester Meeting House in Chester and on August 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Rocky Hill Town Hall. 

On July 15 of this year, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy submitted  if an agreement couldn’t be reached with the unions. The closing of the ferries and laying off of its  are included as part of that plan.

A ferry worker, who asked to remain unnamed, said at a recent  that "the closing of the ferry shouldn't be about a labor agreement. The (potential) closing of the ferry is really taking a toll on everybody and is really scaring people."

He goes on to say "when I was five, my mother took me on the ferry and we need to preserve the ferries for future generations of this state. People here have a real passion for the waterway and understand the ferry as not only an economic engine for the area, but as a true love for the history of Connecticut and its waterways."

To join in the effort, letters can be sent to the below addresses. For suggestions on potential topics to write or testify about, see attached PDF.

Philip.scarrozzo@ct.gov or  

Department of Transportation

Bureau of Public Transportation

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington, CT   06131-7546