SISTERSVILLE, W.Va. –– The Sistersville Ferry Board is waiting on the check from the state to get the operation back in gear. Mayor Bill Rice said they old ferry, which was damaged when it was taken out of the water last fall, is now in a dry dock in Bellaire, Ohio. A salvage company purchased it from the insurance company.
Rice said the replacement boat is ready to be delivered, but needs to be fully paid for. He said one lawmaker has delivered a check for $10,000 of state money to the town, but he’s waiting on two more state contributions of $25,000 each.
“Delegate Bell got his check and those two other checks should clear soon. Hopefully we can get it open for October and I don’t know if the Ferry Board will want to run into November a little since it’s been down all summer,” said Rice.
The Mayor said they’re still waiting on delivery of the promised state funds from Senators Chris Rose and Charles Clements to finish paying for the new craft.
“We’ve been paid the insurance money which was around $162,000 then what we have left of that money and we’ve got another donor who is going to donate as soon as we find out if the state money comes through,” he added.
Donations are also coming from other places. A group of West Virginia natives living in a retirement community in Florida have been staying in touch with the Mayor about the progress of the ferry. They too hope to make a contribution.
The boat was damaged, but the barge which carries automobiles across the river was not. Currently the barge is in Bellaire as well since the old vessel was hauled there on its deck.
The return of the ferry, which costs $4 for a one way ticket, will be a time saver for many who cross the river daily, especially those who work at the hospital and Precision Inc. foundry in Ohio. Until the ferry is back open, they have to make the long trek to the nearest bridges in New Martinsville or St. Mary’s.