Submitted by Office of State Sen. Norm Needleman
(August 29, 2026) — The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry’s 76-year-old vessel will soon be replaced as a result of a $6.4 million funding announcement from the Federal Transit Administration and $1.6 million in support from the Lamont administration. The ferry is one of the oldest continuously operating ferry crossings in the United States, in service since 1769, carrying tens of thousands of passengers each year across the Connecticut River. The new vessel will reduce fuel consumption and emissions, improve service reliability and provide a needed transportation option for the region.
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is a piece of history and a vital part of our community at once, providing transportation for business and leisure for tens of thousands of riders each year. It’s an important part of our local region and needs this overdue replacement. With this work underway, it will ensure that this important resource remains available for decades to come.
Image from Connecticut Department of Transportation Website
