Researched the ferry industry, ferry costs, Willamette River variables, available docks, locations for proposed stops. Created a board and converted from a LLC to a 501c(3).
Wrote grant applications for two Oregon Department of Transportation STIF (Statewide Transit Infrastructure Fund) grants (via TriMet as our agency sponsor) and were awarded both grants to conduct a River Reconnaissance Report, Operational Feasibility Study, and a Pilot Project Plan.
Participated in more than a thousand conversations about an electric passenger ferry operation for Portland. Clearly, the North Portland community of St. John’s has a need and desire for an electric ferry stop. We researched electrification, met with more than 100 candidates running for Portland City Council and the Oregon Legislature, and expanded our board to include representatives from St. John’s and Downtown Neighborhood Association. We secured use of two City of Portland docks at RiverPlace and Cathedral Park.
Launch a Community Ownership Model to raise $2M in funds. This “seed funding” will cover start-up costs like developing a user-friendly app for riders to purchase tickets and see ferry timing in real-time. It will also serve as the initial matching funds necessary to ensure eligibility for public funding, attract corporate sponsorships, and demonstrate community benefits for philanthropic and non-profit support. The remaining $20M will be used for major capital investments including upgrading the docks, design/building a vessel, shoreside charging infrastructure, and hiring an operator.
Put a ferry into operation for the Pilot Project between RiverPlace and St. Johns and begin generating revenue!
Add additional docks and vessels via revenue generated from our sustainable business model to scale to seven vessels and nine stops from Vancouver to Oregon City and beyond based on communities that want/need the service.