SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) is pleased to share that Newport Beach’s historic Balboa Island Ferry has been offered a $7.9 million grant to aid in the required electrification of their fleet.
“This is a positive step forward,” said Assemblymember Dixon. “This funding will provide significant financial support to a small business struggling to keep up with state regulations.”
The California Air Resource Board (CARB) passed regulations that require the Ferry to renovate all three of its vessels with electric motors by 2026. For the past year, the Ferry has applied for multiple sources of funding offered by grant programs through CARB, including the Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Project Program, in order to accomplish electrification goals.
“When Seymour Beek called me in January 2023 I promised to assist however I could,” said Assemblymember Dixon, “These grant dollars are one important piece to saving the Ferry. It is an iconic fixture for Assembly District 72 and Southern California. I can’t imagine the negative impact it would have on the region if it were to disappear.”
The Ferry worked through the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to submit the application. This funding is subject to resolution of some final items and the SCAQMD board approval. They plan to work with Aurora Marine Design and Green Yachts to convert their operations to zero-emission. The total estimated cost to convert the three ferry boats is $13 million.