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Go to WHAM TV 13 - see the video
(Rochester, N.Y.) -- Two Canadian businessmen have submitted a proposal to city leaders to provide a new ferry service between Rochester and Toronto.
The Spirit of Ontario might soon be replaced with the Princess Anne or the Princess Margaret. The two hovercraft were used to cross the English Channel, but became obsolete when England and France completed The Chunnel, or channel tunnel.
The Canadian businessmen making this proposal have an option to buy the hovercraft and they'd like to bring them to Lake Ontario.
While the Rochester’s previous ferry experience has left the city with a debt hangover, the new proposal is well-received by struggling businesses at the port.
Tom Beaman of California Rollin' Sushi Bar said, "It's a struggle during the winter months to get by, it really is."
Customers, like Tim Shea, don't want to see the dormant port go to waste.
"Look at all the work that's been done in this area, it's a shame to waste it. There would be a lot more people down here if the ferry was back,” he said.
The hovercraft proposal offers a 75 minute trip for about $30.
The $10 million privately funded price tag seems within reason.
Alan Knauf, a lawyer for Hover Transit Services said, "The reason it's viable is that it's used equipment, and it can be refurbished and put into action here on Lake Ontario."
However, there are still many questions and costs that would need to be worked out including who would maintain the port and security and signage issues.
These same men made a similar proposal about two years ago, but, at the time the city was still committed to making the last ferry work, and questions about their finances were raised.
This time around these men say they have investors ready to go, but need the go-ahead and cooperation of Rochester and Toronto.
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| WHAM TV13: Hovercraft Service Proposed for Port of Rochester | Login/Create an account | 0 Comments |
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