Tucker and Congressman Lantos on same team for Ferryboat Service at Oyster Point Marina

By James "Jim" Tucker

Harbor Commissioner Jim Tucker a member of the sub-committee on ferryboat service to and from Oyster Point Marina was recently supported by Congressman Tom Lantos in those efforts.

"Dear Mr. Tucker:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the proposed ferry service at Oyster Point Marina. I appreciated hearing from you.

I have long supported enhancing our region's public transit system with a cost-effective, convenient, and environmetally responsible ferry system. It is my hope that Oyster Point will become a new ferry transit hub for the San Francisco Peninsula.

I am seeking $400,000 in federal funds for the development of water transit facilities at Oyster Point Marina. These funds, if approved by Congress, would provide engineering and design funding for a ferry terminal, dock and land access at Oyster Point Marina.

As you know, Oyster Point Marina has been identified as a first priority water transit terminal site for the new ferry service on San Francisco Bay by the Bay Area Council Blue Ribbon Task Force on Water Transit and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Transit Authority (WTA). Establishment of the Oyster Point Marina Ferry Terminal will help reduce severe and growing traffic congestion problems on San Franciso Bay Bridges and highways, will help reduce the harmful environmental impacts of freeway congestion, and will provide a vital emergency rapid response alternative in case of another devastating earthquake.

I also support increased federal funding for ferry systems. The Bay Area's ferry system is currently the third largest commuter system in the country and ridership studies in the Bay Area show a strong growth potential for our region. Please rest assured that I will continue to look for increased federal funding for ferry transit.

Thanks again for contacting me on this important issue. Please continue to contact me on all issues of concern to you.

Cordially,

TOM LANTOS Memebr of Congress"