STX to STT Car Ferry

Just think of it. You wake up on a Saturday morning, have your cup of Joe, and decide on a moment’s notice to take a little day trip over to St.Thomas. You get behind the wheel of your car, maybe pick up a friend, a loved one, and take a nice little drive down to Christiansted Harbor. No need to park your car or look for a space because docked there at the Harbor is this beautiful Ferry boat. This St. Croix to St. Thomas Car Ferry is just waiting for you to load your vehicle onboard. Next thing you know, you’re driving your car onto this sleek, very cool looking ship. You park it on the lower deck. Give the attendant the keys. Climb up  the stairs to the top deck and catch the view of beautiful C’sted Harbor dropping back into the distance.

An hour or so later, you’re driving off the dock in Charlotte Amalie, heading over to the Green House for a quick bite and a brew, before doing a little shopping in the Palm Passage. Maybe take an afternoon drive across the island before heading back to St. Croix.        

Are you in an early morning dream? Not if you heard Governor Bryan’s recent Government House Press Briefing telling you about the roll-on-roll off Car Ferry he’s looking to connect between St. Croix and St.Thomas. But just in case you are in fact still dreaming, go ahead and hit the snooze button, dream away, it’s much too pleasant a vision in STX-STT Car Ferry Wonderland. 

“Today, I am excited to announce a legislative proposal that will drive our Territory forward,” Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced to the public. “The proposal includes $76 million in funding for transportation projects using Grant Anticipation Revenue Bonds (GARVEEs) and calls for the completion and implementation of priority transportation projects, including the next phase of the Veteran’s Drive Project, the St. Croix Ferry Project, and essential infrastructure improvements on St. Croix.”

The Ferry Project is designed to connect St. Croix and St. Thomas through a reliable waterway transit system at an estimated cost of $20 million. Additionally, $28 million will be allocated specifically for critical road and infrastructure projects on St. Croix, ensuring the island receives the upgrades it needs and deserves. 

“These projects represent progress, connection, and opportunity,” stated Governor Bryan. “They demonstrate what we can achieve when we work toward a shared vision.” He expressed his gratitude in advance to the Legislature for their careful and prompt consideration. “I’m requesting an amendment to Act 7754 to authorize issuance and bond of notes and other financial tools through the Public Finance Authority… Now we’re seeking to go back to the bond market to get some money to do a couple of exciting things.”

“It’s not a traditional ferry,” explained the Governor. “We can not only take people and cargo, but we can actually take cars. Vehicles will be able to be transported on a regular basis. And we expect that to cost us about $20 million.” 

The Governor added that the benefits to businesses on both islands would be immense. “I expect Chicken Shack will make a lot more money when that ferry starts running,” he quipped.

Well, it’s time for you to wake up now. Get the day going. See what life has in store for you out on the Big Island. But, wait a minute, do you remember your dreams? No? It doesn’t really matter. Most great ideas begin with dreams. And the Gov’s got the Ferry ball rolling. Now it’s up to the Legislature to make sure that dreams do come true.