Glen Cove seeks $2.7M for ferry terminal

Glen Cove needs one last, large injection of federal funds to complete construction of a ferry terminal and boat basin that would serve the first commuter ferry between Long Island and New York City, officials said Thursday.

The $2.7 million requested last month from the Federal Highway Administration would go toward the terminal building, said K. Kelly Morris, executive director of Glen Cove's community development agency.

"We're just looking for that last push so we can put the building itself on top of the foundation and open up for business," Morris said.

The effort received a boost Thursday from Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) who urged the requested funds be granted.

In a letter to Federal Highway Administration Administrator Victor Mendez, Schumer wrote: "New ferry routes would provide an important service to commuters, and will create a vital link for tourists and business travelers between Long Island and New York City."

The first phase of construction -- including dredging the creek and laying the building foundation -- is on schedule to be complete by May, Morris said.

It was paid for with $11 million in federal stimulus funds and more than $3 million previously granted by the Federal Highway Administration.