The Day: Cross Sound Ferry to receive $3.8 million in pandemic relief aid

New London's Cross Sound Ferry is in line for millions in federal dollars.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney's office put out a news release Tuesday saying that the U.S. Department of the Treasury is set to give $3.8 million to Cross Sound in pandemic relief funds.

"The demand for ferry servicing and ship repair is showing no signs of slowing down, and the federal relief funding coming home to Cross Sound Ferry is going to help make sure they're ready to take full advantage," the 2nd District Democrat said in the release. "The pandemic assistance we announced today ... will make sure Cross Sound has relief funding on-hand to hire back workers and keep folks employed as we continue to address the Delta variant."

The money comes from the Coronavrius Economic Relief for Transportation Services program.

Owner and President of Cross Sound Ferry John P. Wronowski said in the statement that the money will sustain the business following more than a year plagued by COVID-19.

"Fortunately, we have experienced a recent resurgence in ridership, however, it will take years or more to recover from the dire financial ramifications the pandemic placed on our company," he said. "The funding provided by CERTS will allow us to maintain our payroll and continue to operate our business at the level that our loyal customers are accustomed to at Cross Sound."

The company received about $3.1 million on Tuesday and "will soon be awarded" the other roughly $700,000, according to the release.