The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Commissioners have approved the agency's 2024 Capital Improvement.  Program (CIP) and unveiled a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan aimed at enhancing airports and crossing facilities across the region. In the plan include major improvements to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. 

One of the key components of the 2024 CIP is the Annual Vessel Maintenance & Dry Docking project for the Cape May Lewes Ferry. The planned projects include shipyard dry dockings, the acquisition of life-saving equipment, seating replacements, system efficiency upgrades, generator overhauls, and various other improvements. The estimated cost for this project in 2024 is $3,305,000, with a long-term budget of $43,913,000.

Another significant undertaking within the 2024 CIP is the New Vessel Design & Construction project for the Cape May Lewes Ferry fleet. This project encompasses the entire process of designing and constructing new vessels to replace the existing ones. The estimated cost for this project in 2024 is $2,000,000, with a total projected cost of $107,130,000. It is expected that federal assistance will partially fund this project.

The 2024 CIP also includes the Fender Replacements project for the Cape May Lewes Ferry terminals. High-strength fiberglass fender panels, installed during the late 1990s to withstand vessel impacts along the bulkhead, have reached the end of their service life. They will be replaced with steel panels of similar shape and size. The estimated cost for this project in 2024 is $874,000, with an additional $936,000 allocated for future years.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) approved its Capital Improvement Program which includes millions of dollars for several projects at the ferry.

It includes:

• Annual Vessel Maintenance & Dry Docking: The project programs annual capital expenditures for the three (3) vessels, particularly in areas that preserve these assets and improve passenger safety and operational reliability. Planned projects include but are not limited to: vessel shipyard dry dockings, purchase of life saving equipment, seating replacements, systems efficiency upgrades, generator overhauls, and miscellaneous improvements. 
• New Vessel Design & Construction: This project includes the design and construction to replace vessels in the ferry fleet. Design will include all stages of design for the new vessels from concept to final design.  Project  management/construction support will cover all emergent needs during contract bidding, construction, and post?construction.
• Fender Replacements: High strength fiberglass fender panels were installed during the late 1990s at both terminals to resist vessel impact along the bulkhead. These panels have reached the end of their service life and are being replaced with steel panels similar in shape and size. 

DRBA is also implementing major improvements to the Delaware Memorial Bridge in New Castle County, as well as demolishing a hotel next to the Wilmington Airport to provide more parking.

With a total budget of $132.7 million, the 2024 CIP combines $116.7 million in Authority resources with nearly $16 million in federal, state, and local grant funding.

For more information about the Delaware River and Bay Authority and its 2024 Capital Improvement Program, please visit DRBA's official website.