Ferry funding no longer in jeopardy

Chester, Conn. (WTNH) - The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is a state landmark and a commuter favorite, but for a time, there were fears that funding for it would be cut from the state budget.

Folks like Lauren Gorcenski were concerned when they heard the ferry which connects Chester and Hadlyme was being considered as a possible budget cut by the state. That possibility was short lived.

"I purposely got off exit 6 to see if it was open and I saw it was so I pulled down and decided to take it," she said.

Commuters and locals alike use the ferry which began running way back in 1769.

"If you need to go over to Chester or even to get to Route 9 it's much quicker to just hop on the ferry rather than go over the bridge," said Wendy Vincent.

Vincent says it saves her time and can be fun for the whole family.

"The kids love it especially during the summer when we take the top off the Jeep they really like the ride across the water on the ferry," she said.

"It will be great for all the residents, it will be great for tourists, and it's certainly gonna be good for us," said Helaine Alpert, Hadlyme Country Store.

On this first day carrying commuters across the Connecticut River again Alpert says she's happy to see the ferry back for another season.

"It keeps us busy it does which is a good thing," she said.

The ferry runs every day through the end of November.