Senator Gounardes and the Trust for Governors Island Announce State Funding for Brooklyn Ferry to Governors Island
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 14, 2024
Brooklyn, NY - State Senator Andrew Gounardes and the Trust for Governors Island announced new state funding to support seasonal Brooklyn ferry service to Governors Island this summer. The $250,000 in funding fills a gap left by city budget cuts and enables the Trust to offer Brooklyn ferry service through the summer season, ensuring Brooklynites have access to the green space, resources and programming on Governors Island.
Brooklyn ferry service connects the borough’s communities directly to the vibrant educational, environmental and cultural programming offered on Governors Island. In prior seasons, the Brooklyn ferry service saw an average ridership of 10,000-15,000 riders per month from May through October. This service benefits Brooklynites from many different neighborhoods; residents from Bed-Stuy, Flatbush, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Kensington, and South Slope are among the zip codes in Brooklyn that most frequently ride these ferries, and, five of the six most-represented zip codes in citywide ridership come from Brooklyn.
Governors Island is a unique, dynamic year-round destination for New Yorkers from across the city. The Island features over 120 acres of open space, activities for kids, free public art and cultural programming, and environmental and educational offerings for all ages. Since 2010, the Trust for Governors Island has offered seasonal weekend ferry service from Brooklyn between May and October, along with daily service from Manhattan. In 2021, the Trust expanded this service to include Red Hook/Atlantic Basin and Brooklyn Bridge Park. These ferries are free for kids, older adults, military service members, IDNYC holders, and NYCHA residents. Of the nearly 1 million annual visitors to the Island, 43% arrive using free ferry fares.
"For Brooklynites to enjoy all Governors Island has to offer, they need to be able to get there,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “This funding ensures the Trust can continue offering frequent, easily-accessible ferry service that connects Brooklyn residents to the Island’s green spaces, educational opportunities, local art exhibitions, and climate research opportunities. I’m proud to have successfully fought for this state funding, and I’m grateful to the Trust for Governors Island for their crucial work."
“Governors Island is an accessible getaway during the summer months for so many communities in our city, and ensuring New Yorkers have equitable ferry access is essential for us to deliver on our mission,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “I am incredibly grateful that Senator Andrew Gounardes and other colleagues in the New York State Senate, Assembly, and New York City Council advocated for additional funding from the State to fill a gap during this year’s budget challenges, and thank them for their partnership in delivering this summer’s service to Pier 6 and Red Hook.”
“Having the opportunity to travel to Governors Island from Red Hook, Brooklyn, where our students live, gives them a sense of belonging. It's a place so near yet so unique, with its natural beauty and hidden gems.” said Tiffiney Davis, Executive Director and Founder of Red Hook Art Project. Governors Island offers a space for creativity, peace, and entrepreneurship. Access to this incredible resource is especially important for a marginalized BIPOC community like Red Hook, providing opportunities to explore, learn, and grow in ways they might not otherwise experience. The ferry to Governors Island is in Red Hook, but it often caters to more affluent neighborhoods. This initiative offers our community a chance for ownership and a feeling of inclusion and visibility.”
Media Contact:
Billy Richling
Communications Director
State Senator Andrew Gounardes
917-342-2499
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