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Buena Vista Ferry Hours & Fees

Buena Vista Ferry Operating Status

Buena Vista Ferry Replacement Project

Wheatland Ferry - Official Operating Status - Marion County Oregon

Wheatland Ferry Hours and Fees

Home > Public Works > Ferries > Buena Vista Ferry Replacement Project

Buena Vista Ferry Replacement Project     Overview The Buena Vista Ferry connects Marion and Polk counties across the Willamette River just south of Independence. The current ferry has been in continuous operation since 1955 providing daily shuttle service to the public, including motorized vehicles. The existing ferry is more than 50 years old, it is at the end of it's functional life expectancy and requires many repairs and upgrades. The purchase of a new ferry is a more cost effective alternative to repairing the ferry. When federal stimulus funding became available, Marion County applied for and has been awarded $3,224,608 from the Ferry Boat Discretionary Fund Program of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funds will be used for the design, construction, delivery, licensing and installation of a new ferry boat, conversion of the power supply from diesel to overhead electric, as well as necessary improvements to the existing ferry termini approaches, notification/location signage, advertising, and operational start-up. A new ferry will benefit the community’s quality of life and provide tourist and visitor-based economic development opportunities.    Background on Ferry Founded in 1852, Buena Vista Ferry is one of the oldest continuous operating ferries in the state.  The current ferry has been in continuous operation since 1955 providing daily shuttle service to the public, including motorized vehicles, from April through October each year. Today, two of the three remaining Willamette River ferries still inoperation are both in Marion County – Wheatland and Buena Vista. The Buena Vista Ferry creates a sense of community for people and businesses on both sides of the river. Local clubs use the ferry for bicycling events and a non-profit group has developed a water trail (canoe/kayak trail route) along the Willamette River from the Buena Vista Ferry up to the Wheatland Ferry. This trail directs visitors to public lands along the river for landing points, historical viewpoints and the National Historic Trail.    New Buena Vista Ferry The new Buena Vista Ferry was built by Diversified Marine, Inc. and can now transport six vehicles, which is two more than the previous ferry. The new ferry will to pass through Salem on May 14 or 15 on its way to the ferry site and is will be open to the public on Friday, June 24, 2011. The new ferry will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.    Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Please join the Marion County Board of Commissioners for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and launch of the new Buena Vista Ferry on Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 3:00 p.m. Activities will include: Drawings for prepaid toll cards Free pedestrian ferry rides Refreshments Click here for a map and directions to the launch site. For more information, contact Marion County Public Works at 503-588-5036   Project Library Press Releases News Articles Friends of Buena Vista Ferry General History of Buena Vista Community Area Map with Points of Interest - NEW! Contact  Please contact the Project Leader with questions or comments. Media inquiries should be referred to the Public Information Coordinator. Alan Haley, Administration Division Manager, (503) 588-7943 Rodney Bray, Project Leader / Capital Projects Manager, (503) 365-3112

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