For the past twelve years, Winthrop has been talking about, and working towards, a ferry service to and from Boston as a way to revitalize its waterfront. With the help of $950,000 in federal stimulus funds, the commuter ferry service could be a reality. The ferry would take passengers from Winthrop to Rowe's Wharf in Boston.

Town Manager Jim McKenna said that within the next few months, the town plans to issue a request for proposals from firms interested in operating the ferry, which would be based at the Public Landing on Shirley Street.

The $950,000 grant was part of $42 million in local funding awards recently announced by US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood under a program that supports ferry services and facilities. The Winthrop project was one of three in Massachusetts to receive funding.

"Only a few communities were successful in securing these funds. We were very grateful to be one of them," said McKenna, adding that the town is thankful to Massachusetts Speaker of the House and US Representative Edward J. Markey for securing the earmark. "He was key in the effort."

McKenna said the ferry would offer an alternative means of transportation to and from Boston for commuters, and an opportunity to boost tourism.

Town Harbormaster Chuck Famolare said he was excited about the prospects of having commuter ferry service available for Winthrop residents. "We’re going to put out an RFP (request for proposals) for ferry service operators and everything should come together around May 1," said Famolare.

The harbormaster said the ferry ride from Winthrop to Boston would take approximately 25 minutes. "We've promised the state and the federal government that the most it would be is $5 each way. People could park at the Landing, go to work or visit Boston, and return on the ferry."

The ferry could also be used for excursions to the Harbor Islands, charters, lunch and dinner cruises, birthday parties, and other social events. "There are plenty of opportunities for ferry operators who make a bid, to earn extra money so they’re not just relying on the $5 fee per person," said Famolare.

Famolare said the ferry service could stimulate tourism in the town as people board the ferry in Boston for a day trip to Winthrop.

Town Councillor Linda Calla said the ferry service from Boston to Winthrop could provide a boost to the town in terms of visibility and drawing people in to Winthrop restaurants and stores.

"When people come and see what a pretty seaside town Winthrop is and the beaches and yacht clubs we have here, I think they'll want to keep coming back," said Calla. "We also have some fabulous restaurants in the town and people can enjoy the great food and atmosphere and spend much less than they would in Boston," said Calla. "I'm hopeful that the ferry will lead to some positive things in the town."

Winthrop's efforts have also included a $2.2 million project to construct a new pier and upgrade the adjacent public landing area. The project has been funded largely by state money, most of it from the Seaport Advisory Council.

The pier was built in 2007 and Winthrop recently began making upgrades to the public landing, which involves repaving the parking area and adding landscaping, benches, and pathways. In a later phase, the town plans to construct a waterside building to provide an office for the harbormaster and space for other municipal uses.