NEWPORT BEACH – Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) is pleased to share that Newport Beach’s historic Balboa Island Ferry has fully executed contract agreements with both the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), marking the beginning of the Ferry’s long-awaited electrification project.
“Since 1919, the Ferry has played an integral role in the region – connecting commuters, visitors and residents from Balboa Peninsula to Balboa Island all year round,” stated Assemblymember Dixon. “I am pleased to see the public and private partnership between these entities help small businesses, like the Balboa Island Ferry, to keep up with the transformative regulations that the State has placed on them.”
Funded by the California Air Resources Board Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT) program and California Climate Investments (CCI), administered by South Coast AQMD, the Balboa Island Ferry will undergo a full-fleet transition to 100% zero-emission electric vessels.
“This funding support is crucial for the Ferry to continue their distinguished legacy and service, not only for the residents but also for the over seven million visitors that travel to Newport Beach each year” stated Assemblymember Dixon.
President of the Balboa Island Ferry, Seymour Beek, looks forward to the continued positive impact this Ferry will have on the region for many years to come. “The support of our community and its leaders, like Assemblymember Diane Dixon, has been critical to moving this project forward,” stated Seymour Beek.
All three of the Balboa Island Ferry’s existing Tier 2 diesel-powered vessels will be replaced with new battery-electric ferries. There will also be an installation of shore-side charging infrastructure to support day-to-day functions. Once this project is completed, the Balboa Island Ferry will become California’s first fully electric ferry fleet.
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Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach, is a pragmatic businesswoman and former Mayor, who represents the 72nd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest.