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Delaware Lawmakers Want Progress on Woodland Ferry

DelDOT

WOODLAND, Del. (AP) - Delaware residents unhappy with the lack of progress in returning a ferry to service now have the support of two legislators.

Delaware State News reports that Reps. Tim Dukes of Laurel and Danny Short of Seaford are expressing their concern about the Woodland Ferry, which was supposed to resume service in late April.

The historic ferry carries vehicles and passengers across the Nanticoke River from landings near Seaford and Laurel. Motorists now must use bridges in Seaford or Sharptown, Maryland, instead.

The state Transportation Department operates the ferry, which was taken out of service in mid-November for maintenance and an inspection.

Dukes says transportation officials tell him a new engine was flooded with saltwater when it was delivered. State officials say the contractor is liable for the problem.

More than 200 motorists use the ferry daily.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.