Steamship Authority To Receive Stimulus Funding

Mass. Congressman William Keating says he's received a commitment from the Federal Transit Administration for $12 million in federal funding for the Woods Hole, Marth's Vineyard, and Nantucket Steamship Authority.

Almost $10 million will be part of the Cares Act Stimulus funding, while the rest will come from existing Federal Transit Administration sources.

According to Keating, the funds are critical to bridging the cash flow for the Steamship Authority this summer. The funding is expected to be delivered in the next two weeks.

Keating says the Authority has been dealing with an unprecedented loss of ridership this spring due to the coronavirus and the stay-at-home order. He says the $12 million should help to fund Steamship Authority operations through August.

Keating was also able to intercede with the Federal Transit Administration ensuring that the Authority retained its certification as a "commuter service," making it eligible for the Cares Act Stimulus funding.

Information from the Office of U.S. Rep William Keating (D-Massachusetts)