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The ferry is more efficient and larger than the one it will replace, and building it will create about 40 jobs.

By TUX TURKEL, Staff Writer July 15, 2009

A new ferry boat is expected to be taking passengers and freight around Casco Bay early in 2011, thanks to $5.5 million in federal stimulus money released Tuesday.

The new ferry will offer improved service and lower operating costs for Casco Bay Lines, which serves residents of six islands in the bay. It will replace the Island Romance, which was built in 1973.

Construction is expected to create 40 shipyard jobs. One Maine boatyard, Washburn and Doughty in East Boothbay, has expressed interest in bidding on the construction contract for the new vessel.

With the help of the state's Department of Transportation and congressional delegation, the transit district competed with other states for a pot of discretionary funds aimed at upgrading ferries and terminals. Nineteen states got a share of $60 million.

"We're very excited to get this funding and appreciate all the work that has gone into securing this funding," said Nicholas Mavodones Jr., acting general manager for Casco Bay Lines. "We have a boat that is over 35 years old and requires a lot of maintenance. Replacing it with a new boat is going to be a benefit to the islanders that ride this vessel. It will be more reliable, more comfortable, and best of all, it won't have to be paid for by fare increases."

The Island Romance is the smallest and oldest of Casco Bay Lines' five-boat fleet. It is 65 feet long and can carry 299 passengers. The boat replacing it will be similar to the Aucocisco III, which the district got in 2005 for roughly $3 million. The Aucocisco III is 110 feet long and can carry 399 passengers. The new vessel also will be equipped with electronically controlled diesel engines that meet the latest government standards for efficiency and emissions control.

"It's like getting a new car," Mavodones said.

The $5.5 million will pay for the entire project, said Sue Moreau, a spokeswoman for the state Office of Passenger Transportation. Some of the cost goes to meeting new Coast Guard requirements, she said.

Specifications for the boat and requests for proposals are already in place, based on an earlier funding attempt. The Washburn and Doughty yard is the only Maine shipyard prepared to offer a bid, she said, but other New England companies have expressed interest.

Because the job is ready to go, work can begin soon after a contract is awarded. Construction should take roughly 12 months.

"This is wonderful news for the state of Maine, the Casco Bay Island Transit District and islanders who rely on the ferry boats for safe, efficient transportation on Casco Bay," said David Cole, Maine's transportation commissioner. "We are very grateful for the assistance and support from the congressional delegation, Governor's Office, transit district staff and our partners at the Federal Highway Administration on this notable award."

Staff Writer Tux Turkel can be contacted at 791-6462 or at: tturkel@pressherald.com