SISTERSVILLE, W.Va. — Plans to reopen the historic Sistersville Ferry have taken a step forward.
Sistersville Mayor Bill Rice announced at this week’s meeting of the Sistersville Ferry Board a vessel has been located to replace the damaged one. The old tow boat took on water when it was put into the water for the season and damage was deemed too severe to repair.
According to the Mayor the city’s insurance company will provide $162,000 toward purchase of the replacement boat. Local elected officials are working on raising the additional $60,000. The replacement boat was located in Pittsburgh. Officials say the total cost would be around $250,000. The funding gap remains at $30,000. Rice said the Ferry Board has the necessary funds to cover the cost, but it would reduce operating funds for the year for the ferry.
Local leaders are adamant about restoring the attraction, which connects vehicle traffic across the Ohio River from Sistersville to Fly, Ohio. The city is asking for donations and will seek voluntary contributions from local businesses toward the purchase to help restore the ferry.
The barge was not damaged and remains sea worthy.
The Sistersville Ferry is one of only five ferries still in operation on the Ohio River and the only one in the upper 427 miles of the river. It’s also the only ferry remaining between West Virginia and Ohio.