Featured image – Richard Gary
10/13/26 – New Windsor, NY: The Orange County Industrial Development Agency-backed (“the OCIDA”) Newburgh-Beacon Ferry pilot campaign was a resounding success in the community, with both weekends’ tickets fully sold out. The trial service program welcomed over 1,000 passengers during its debut operations, including local and state elected officials.
In May of this year, the OCIDA’s sister agency, the Orange County Funding Corp., pledged up to $100,000 to support the Newburgh-Beacon weekend ferry pilot program, which was proposed by the Save the Ferry Coalition in the wake of the loss of the MTA’s commuter ferry service. The goal was to demonstrate demand for the ferry, strengthen cross-Hudson connectivity, and generate data to inform long-term ferry restoration projects. The pilot program overdelivered on these goals, generating such a demand for tickets that an additional two hours of round-trip travel were added for passengers each day.
Chairman of the OCIDA Board Jeffrey Crist and many local, regional, and state elected officials participated in the ferry’s pilot campaign. Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou and Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey joined the maiden voyage on October 3rd, and Congressman Pat Ryan attended on October 10th. Their participation was a strong show of support for a restored ferry service that would not only provide an affordable transit option, but also capture tourism demand, support small businesses, and bolster Orange County’s economy.
“Without the OCIDA, this ferry pilot program would not have been possible,” shared Naomi Hersson-Ringskog, spokesperson for the Save the Ferry Coalition. “Their support gave us the legitimacy and momentum to approach other funders about realizing the program. Our partnership is a testament to the fact that the ferry service is not just about transportation: it’s an economic tool that generates revenue for the region.”
“The OCIDA is proud to support the Save the Ferry project and the return of ferry service between Newburgh and Beacon. Reconnecting our two river communities will bring visitors to our waterfronts, support local businesses, and strengthen our region’s economy. This is one of the many ways the OCIDA is making a positive impact on the communities we serve,” said Jeffrey Crist.
The OCIDA is committed to supporting projects that transform currently underutilized assets in Orange County into revenue generators for local communities.
About OCIDA
The Orange County Industrial Development Agency promotes economic growth through a program of incentives-based allocations that assist in the construction, equipping and maintenance of specific types of projects and facilities. The IDA works to advance the health, prosperity and economic welfare of our County’s citizens by retaining and creating jobs and attracting new businesses. For more information, visit www.ocnyida.com.
