Federal funds propel hybrid Cape-May Lewes Ferry vessel [Video]

LEWES — A $20 million federal grant is propelling green energy in the First State as the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) works to bring a new diesel-hybrid ferry vessel to the Cape May–Lewes Ferry fleet.

DRBA leaders, congressional delegates and the Federal Trade Administration teamed up to announce the grant at the Lewes Ferry Terminal Wednesday morning as one of its newer ferries, the MV Cape Henlopen, sat quietly in the backdrop.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced nearly $300 million in investments for ferries across the country which are leaning into cleaner energy options in September, providing funding to 18 projects in 14 different states including the $20 million offered to DRBA for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry which was one of the largest amounts awarded to any one group. 

The grant will cover about a quarter of the $74 million cost of a new ferry to which is expected to replace the 43-year-old MV Cape Henlopen, …