Members of a long-range planning task force are looking to fix the noise and traffic issues caused by the Steamship Authorityâs Woods Hole to Marthaâs Vineyard ferry operations.
The group, which has met five times so far, will continue to meet for the next year or so and will make recommendations to curb the issues. Heavy traffic, both auto and freight, on the Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs route draws ire from communities on both sides of Vineyard Sound. Members are still in the fact-gathering stage, Steven Sayers, former general counsel and consultant, told the Steamship Authority board of governors during their January 25 meeting. He updated the board on the progress of the task force and the traffic mitigation work group, both of which were formed last year.
The Martha s Vineyard Times
Steamship task force explores rubbish options
Ralph Packer describes his barge operations and facilities, which could assist SSA.
A Packer barge loaded with loam tailings in Vineyard Haven. In the background, a Packer fuel barge. - Rich Saltzberg
The Steamship Authority’s long-range transportation task force met with Ralph Packer Thursday afternoon to learn more about his barge business, and to gauge his inclination to explore alternative ideas for hauling rubbish off-Island.
Among the possible benefits of an alternative rubbish route would be extra space on SSA ferries, and less traffic in Woods Hole. While no firm plans were made, Packer made it clear he was amenable to continued discussions on the topic.