2010 Lynchburg Ferry Repowering

By STAFF REPORTS
Updated: 08.13.10
The historic Lynchburg Ferries will soon be more fuel-efficient and make an impact in improving air-quality.

Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner, Sylvia R. Garcia told Commissioners Court on Tuesday that grant funds available through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) would pay the cost of replacing the engines on both the Ross S. Sterling and William P. Hobby ferries. Both boats are more than 40 years old.

"Having already made safety upgrades to both ferries since I have been in office, the next step was to ensure that both these historic vessels could continue to operate most efficiently and cleanly for many years to come," Garcia said.

The new engines are rated to save as much as 400 gallons of fuel per month for the two boats that currently use about 1,400 gallons monthly. Additionally, emissions of dangerous pollutants are expected to fall by as much as two-thirds.

The motion to approve a contract with Bludworth Marine in Galveston to acquire and install the engines for $588,611 was unanimously approved during Tuesday's regularly scheduled Commissioners Court meeting.

Once the engines and parts have been shipped, the work is expected to be completed in October.