By Sunayana Prabhu
HIGHLANDS – Seastreak, LLC will be driving cleaner transit in the future. After receiving a $54.9 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program, Seastreak will be able to provide zero-emission highspeed electric ferries to and from the Jersey Shore. The grant effort garnered support from U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6).
In a press statement released Oct. 29, Pallone called the Zero-Emission Ferry Project a “major win” for Highlands and central New Jersey.
The grant will be used to install essential charging infrastructure and provide for electric ferries, which will cut dangerous pollution and ease travel between New Jersey and Manhattan.
Pallone, who helped author the Inflation Reduction Act on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, championed Seastreak’s proposal as a model for clean, efficient transit in coastal communities.
“Bringing these federal dollars back to New Jersey means cleaner air, less traffic on our busiest routes, and a long-term boost for communities like Highlands,” Pallone said. “This project is about more than cutting dangerous pollution; it’s about strengthening our local economy and supporting sustainable transit solutions that benefit residents and businesses alike. Projects like this put New Jersey on the cutting edge of homegrown, clean energy.”
Based in Atlantic Highlands, Seastreak provides essential ferry services for many residents in
central New Jersey each day. This funding marks an important initial phase in overhauling the company’s fleet towards modern, zero-emission technologies and establishing a national benchmark for improving coastal air quality. Additionally, the project encompasses workforce development efforts, including training collaborations with local educational institutions and industry organizations.
“Seastreak is committed to being one of the most environmentally friendly passenger ferry operators in the country,” said James D. Barker, Seastreak vice president,in the release. “Highspeed electric ferry technology is a new and quickly evolving space. With this grant, we are excited to contribute to a new frontier in maritime technology while continuing our efforts to improve air quality within the communities we serve. We’re grateful for Congressman Pallone’s work in Congress to make this project possible.”
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is set to receive $344 million aimed at enhancing zero-emission equipment throughout its port operations. Initiatives such as the ZE Equipment for Ports (ZEEP) Voucher Incentive Program and the Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA) are designed to phase out polluting cargo vehicles and establish new charging stations in an attempt to minimize harmful emissions from the port that impact surrounding communities.
The EPA has also announced the selection of 55 applicants from 27 states and territories to share nearly $3 billion through its Clean Ports Program.
“Our nation’s ports are critical to creating opportunity here in America, offering good-paying jobs,moving goods, and powering our economy,” said EPA administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s historic $3 billion investment builds on President Biden’s vision of growing our economy while ensuring America leads in globally competitive solutions of the future. Delivering cleaner technologies and resources to U.S. ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution while protecting people who work in and live nearby ports communities.”
The Clean Ports Program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to lower climate pollution at the nation’s ports. This initiative focuses on reducing harmful diesel emissions – such as criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, and air toxins – in both port areas and nearby communities. By investing in significant infrastructure upgrades and air quality initiatives, the program seeks to create a cleaner environment. The EPA will collaborate with Seastreak and the PANYNJ to finalize agreements that will ensure these projects contribute to healthier communities throughout the New Jersey region.
The article originally appeared in the November 14 – November 20, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
