Colin McEnroe Show: The Uncertain Fate Of Connecticut's Ferries

I agree! People who are

I agree! People who are making the money in Connecticut should be taxed enough to preserve these historical places. We are one of (if not THE) richest states in the union, why can't we get it together and do something worthwhile with ourselves?

Yes, ONE of the two ferries

Yes, ONE of the two ferries transports only three cars per trip but, IT IS THE OLDEST OPERATING FERRY IN THE UNITED STATES! It takes under ten minutes to cross the river on the ferry, and much longer if you drive to a bridge. Connecticut needs to save and preserve the past, not destroy one of the few good things that it has left.

Roads cost the government

Roads cost the government lots of money without generating any revenue. Maybe we should cut those as well. Get your heads out of your asses, fiscal conservatives.

As I was hearing the show I

As I was hearing the show I could not understand how the traffic for one year on these ferries was approximately the same number of cars that would travel during ONE DAY one "a state road in CT." Then as I heard further I learned that these ferries hold a grand total of three (3) cars cars per trip. THREE VEHICLES!!!! Are you kidding me? Ate these vehicles "sub compacts?". What if you wanted to move one of those Hummer stretch limos that seem to appear onnthe weekends for a wedding or stag party? Could this ferry handle a small box truck? As quant and charming as this ferry outfit may seem, the three cars the ferry takes per trip could probably cross the CT River a heck of a lot faster by taking a bridge, eve if it was a few miles out of the way. Maybe if they built a vessel inmost with the Port Jefferson ferry, or the New London Ferry, the boats would be a little more financially viable.

pollution and longer commutes

I don't think this was mentioned -- how many auto-miles are saved by cars being able to go directly across via the ferry, and therefore how much pollution is prevented?

E-mail from Barbara

Those who keep saying "No new taxes" and "Cut, cut, cut spending" should find a way to save the ferries, if they want to keep it running. You cannot have services without paying for them.
Barbara

E-mail from Ellen

I think the approach to save the ferries, which undoubtedly are a historic assets and that also generate money, should be a for-profit approach. Creating another non-profit organization in an era of scarce funding will leave them too vulnerable to cutbacks. There has to be a profitable way to operate them – festivals that raise funds, increased fees, etc., so that the folks involved in this operation can ensure their futures and the future of the ferries.

E-mail from Joseph

Colin, here's another use of the ferries, that I haven't heard
mentioned: The Annual Two Ferry Metric Century bike ride, sponsored by Cycling Concepts bike shop in Rocky Hill. My wife and I rode this a couple of years ago, and it was a great way to experience the Connecticut River, some great roads and communities, and, of course, the ferries.

link to info on the Two Ferry ride:
http://www.cyclingconcepts.com/Two_Ferry_2010/index.htm

E-mail from Carolyn

Having worked for the Governor's Budget Office, I know there is no way this level of layoffs can be sustained while keeping $1/2 million in funding for the ferries. The strategy should be to propose that in 2014 when the state is more in recovery from the current shortage, some state funding will be resumed for the ferries. In the meantime, the collective towns in the organization, citizens, and other private and grant funding will cover some level of operations for the two ferries. Or that the state continue say 10% of the full funding to keep the ferries as a line item, with other sources of funding making up the difference.

In fact, in the 1970's when Hartford could no longer afford the expense of keeping up the rose garden in Elizabeth Park (every bit as important as the ferries to me), and so erected high burlap walls around the rose garden, the Friends of Elizabeth Park, volunteer activities and eventually funds from estate giving serves to keep this important gem thriving. While maintenance of the park is still a struggle for the City, the mechanism is in place for broad cost sharing. Stop looking to lobby the state. The money isn't there right now.

E-mail from Larry

Why is the subject of TAXES not discussed? All these cuts can be avoided if those of us who have jobs and incomes would pay more income tax. It should at least be mentioned. Thanks.