Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) rallied with local residents this week to save the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry.

Speaking to a crowd of more than 80 people, Jacobson proclaimed that the “people have spoken” to save the ferry.

Metro-North operates the ferry, along with the regional train system. It is owned by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

“Orange County pays more than $38 million a year to the MTA, with little to show for it,” Jacobson said. “Funding the ferry is the least the MTA could do.”

Jacobson is on the Assembly’s Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee, which oversees the MTA.

“Every year during budget hearings, the MTA comes before our committee and asks for money,” said Jacobson. “I will be making the case to save the ferry, both publicly and behind the scenes.”

 According to the Assemblymember, the first order of business is to ensure that there are working docks on both sides of the river. He is coordinating with Beacon officials to secure funding for the city’s dock repairs, and also plans to work with local residents and businesses to “think outside the box” for weekend service.

“The MTA has a budget of more than $20 billion. The agency claims that the ferry costs $2.1 million annually to operate, which is a mere accounting error for them. The MTA can make this work,” said Jacobson.