New York City’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is to get a multi-million dollar makeover to enable larger ships to dock.
The $17.2m project will be mostly funded by the terminal’s new operator, Ports America with the city contributing $2.2 million in grants.
The money will be used to build a new apron up to 500 feet long, a viaduct and two new gangways.
"I am excited that the $2.2 million in capital grants that my administration allotted to the modernization of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal was able to be leveraged into an additional $15 million commitment by Ports America, which will have a tremendous impact on attracting more ships, revamping operations and creating quality maritime jobs," said Brooklyn Borough president Eric Adams.
Earlier this year New York City Economic Development Corp. appointed Ports America as sole operator of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn cruise terminals.
Ports America pledged to invest $38.5m in upgrades at both terminals.
Last year more than a million passengers cruised New York City and it generates about 1,000 full-time jobs.
"We believe that these investments will increase vessel calls and passenger volumes, while enhancing the overall guest experience, asset utilization and safety," said Steve Loevsky, VP of cruise, Ports America.
