Local N.Y., Canadian officials praise Stefanik’s efforts for cross-border bike, passenger ferry

Local officials in two towns across the St. Lawrence River from each other praised efforts by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to move a study forward this fall on a planned bike and passenger ferry between them.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently signed off on a study for the Prescott-to-Ogdensburg Bicycle Ferry that will take place this fall, followed by a pilot project in 2020. The ferry would shuttle passengers and their bikes between Prescott in Ontario, Canada, and Ogdensburg, N.Y., according to Rep. Stefanik’s office.

“I’m thrilled to hear that my push for this cross-border pedestrian and bicycle ferry has come to fruition,” Rep. Stefanik said last week. “This project will increase tourism between Canada and the North Country, which will in turn bolster our economy. I was glad to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials and state and local elected officials to deliver this huge result for my district.”

Republican New York State Sen. Patty Ritchie said talks about the ferry began a few years ago among members on the International Border Caucus “as a way to strengthen relationships between communities along our shared border.”

“I want to thank Congresswoman Stefanik for helping us convince U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials to establish trial runs for the ferry next summer,” she added. “This important next step in the effort to launch a pedestrian ferry would not have been possible without her support.”

Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley also thanked Rep. Stefanik, state lawmakers, and Canadian officials for their efforts on “projects like the bicycle and pedestrian ferry that will help put our communities on the international tourism map.”

Likewise, Brett Todd, the mayor of Prescott, Ontario, applauded Rep. Stefanik “for her personal efforts” on behalf of the proposed project.