Friday, November 05, 2010

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Washington County Commissioners have approved a $971,000 federal grant application to refurbish the Fredericktown Ferry, better known as Fred, which links two tiny towns separated by the Monongahela River.

Fayette County officials signed off on the application last year.

The Port of Pittsburgh Commission recommended repairing the cable driven ferry that shuttles vehicles and passengers across 800 feet of the river between Fredericktown, Washington County, and LaBelle in Fayette County.

The three- to four-minute trip saves motorists from driving about 16 miles to the nearest bridge.

The 60-foot-steel boat can carry six vehicles per trip, and transports about 500 each day.