Post by ferryfast admin on Jan 23, 2006 1:01:42 GMT -5
01/20/2006
Viability doubtful for ferry projects
It's one of those grand plans that makes perfect sense on paper. When you assess the time for tractor-trailers crossing bridges into the U.S. or Canada to transport products, crossing Lake Erie by ferry should save money.
And what Northeast Ohioan wouldn't want to eliminate some travel time to visit Toronto for the day or weekend? You could enjoy a cruise across Lake Erie, too.
So Grand River Village Mayor Chris Conley asks, "Why not?" He's excited about the possibility of a ferry landing near the village in Lake County. He's gained support recently from county leaders and from several colleagues in the Lake County Mayors and Managers Association.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, R-Concord Township, has thrown his clout behind a ferry plan for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority. It received a $7 million federal grant to kickstart the project to design a terminal.
Both locations, however, have significant drawbacks which leave their long-term viability in doubt.
Tourism alone won't make a ferry profitable. So how much cargo must pass through a ferry landing to sustain its operation over 10 years, 20 years or longer?
It's likely several ferries would be required to move enough goods to generate the money to sustain the business. Ferries costs $60 million each.
Also, how would docks be maintained on both sides of Lake Erie? Who pays for it?
Additionally, if the ferry lands in Cleveland from Port Stanley, Ontario, why would Cleveland want dozens of of commercial trucks on city streets?
A ferry would travel about 31/2 hours on this route.
There also are political hurdles with Port Stanley as the government calls on the local municipality to take over the port. These negotiations have been delayed by federal elections slated for this month. Canadians could see a new government take power.
And if the ferry lands in Painesville Township from Port Burwell, Ontario, where's the long-term market for the goods?
A ferry would travel more than 2 hours on this route.
Some also would argue the backer of the ferry plan in Lake County, Kent Kristensen of Chagrin Falls, does not have the experience or the financial support to make it a successful venture.
If a ferry operation started and later failed, taxpayers likely would be left paying the outstanding bills.
Until one of these plans sails in calmer water, this looks more like a financial Titanic, not a mighty vessel with a clear direction.
Viability doubtful for ferry projects
It's one of those grand plans that makes perfect sense on paper. When you assess the time for tractor-trailers crossing bridges into the U.S. or Canada to transport products, crossing Lake Erie by ferry should save money.
And what Northeast Ohioan wouldn't want to eliminate some travel time to visit Toronto for the day or weekend? You could enjoy a cruise across Lake Erie, too.
So Grand River Village Mayor Chris Conley asks, "Why not?" He's excited about the possibility of a ferry landing near the village in Lake County. He's gained support recently from county leaders and from several colleagues in the Lake County Mayors and Managers Association.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, R-Concord Township, has thrown his clout behind a ferry plan for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority. It received a $7 million federal grant to kickstart the project to design a terminal.
Both locations, however, have significant drawbacks which leave their long-term viability in doubt.
Tourism alone won't make a ferry profitable. So how much cargo must pass through a ferry landing to sustain its operation over 10 years, 20 years or longer?
It's likely several ferries would be required to move enough goods to generate the money to sustain the business. Ferries costs $60 million each.
Also, how would docks be maintained on both sides of Lake Erie? Who pays for it?
Additionally, if the ferry lands in Cleveland from Port Stanley, Ontario, why would Cleveland want dozens of of commercial trucks on city streets?
A ferry would travel about 31/2 hours on this route.
There also are political hurdles with Port Stanley as the government calls on the local municipality to take over the port. These negotiations have been delayed by federal elections slated for this month. Canadians could see a new government take power.
And if the ferry lands in Painesville Township from Port Burwell, Ontario, where's the long-term market for the goods?
A ferry would travel more than 2 hours on this route.
Some also would argue the backer of the ferry plan in Lake County, Kent Kristensen of Chagrin Falls, does not have the experience or the financial support to make it a successful venture.
If a ferry operation started and later failed, taxpayers likely would be left paying the outstanding bills.
Until one of these plans sails in calmer water, this looks more like a financial Titanic, not a mighty vessel with a clear direction.