"The commission's unanimous vote is the first in a long line of approvals and permits the project will have to secure over the coming months from the myriad local, state and federal agencies that oversee the bay. If all goes according to officials' plans, commuters and day-trippers three years from now could step from a rebuilt Berkeley Pier onto all-electric boats that would whisk them to San Francisco's Ferry Building in 25 minutes."
"Cost estimates for the new pier and ferry terminal have topped $100 million, not including the electric vessels. Berkeley Parks Director Scott Feris told Berkeleyside this week that the city is working with a variety of funding agencies and WETA to look for dollars to fund this project. Backers of the plan, including city leaders and business officials, contend it will give people who live and work in Berkeley a new option to cross the bay without needing a car,"
Berkeley's Planning Commission unanimously approved a zoning change to allow construction of a ferry terminal at Berkeley Pier. The approval begins a multi-agency permitting process required from local, state, and federal authorities overseeing the bay. Project plans envision a rebuilt pier and all-electric ferries providing 25-minute service to San Francisco's Ferry Building within about three years. Estimated capital costs for the pier and terminal exceed $100 million, excluding the vessels, and funding sources remain unresolved. City officials are coordinating with WETA and various funding agencies to seek financing. Supporters cite transit options and waterfront revitalization; opponents cite aesthetics and parking impacts.
Read at www.berkeleyside.org
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