Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union Donates to Friends of the CT River Ferries

discussed their plans to preserve the with state Department of Transportation Maritime Manager Charles Beck at their meeting Thursday night at . The group, which is tentatively a private not-for-profit organization, also received a $500 check from the credit union.

The group is also dedicated to protecting the Chester/Hadlyme Ferry as well from potential state budget cuts, according to organizer Paul Carr. He said the group, which began as an informal movement, has attracted interest from about 4,000 people between the four towns being served by the two state-administered ferries.

Some who spoke during the meeting referred to the local ferry’s status as a nationally recognized historical location. The ferry has operated since the 17th century and is the longest continuously running ferry in the country.

Beck urged the group members to discuss as many possibilities as possible regarding how funds from the group could support the ferry system.

“I would like to hear some unconstrained suggestions,” he said.

The group discussed improving signage for the ferry, adding signs to the highway system and funding extra crew members. There are only three crew members currently staffing the . There were five crew members two years ago, but two were lost to retirement and budget cuts, said Beck.

The group also discussed funding an extension of the ferry’s hours. It currently runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday from May 1 through Oct. 31.

Carr, who started a about the initiative, said a model contacted the page. The model suggested doing a photo shoot with the ferry in Rocky Hill and a 1937 Packard restored by Turnpike Motors Auto Body owner Doug Hernandez. 

The body shop will host a booth at the Wethersfield Corn Festival on Sept. 17, he said. The foundation will be allowed to sell t-shirts from it supporting their cause.