ARRA Funding contributed to the construction and commissioning of two Ferry boats.

• On July 3, 2014, the day before the St. John Festival parades in Cruz Bay the ferries were put into service

• Certification of the two boats began with Coast Guard inspection & certification exercises on the Cruz Bay I following which the Red Hook I was expected to complete inspection.
• Dry docking "cleaning & preparation for service" occurred in Late June after which the Ferries were ready to be put into service.

• Representatives of DPW and its Operators/Contractors went to Louisiana for testing the ferries' seaworthiness.
• DPW took delivery of the two ferries, when they arrived in the Virgin Islands.
• Needed were the final Coast Guard inspections, which were expected to take one month, following which in February, the vessels would be made available to the USVI Government and the franchises.

• A contractor was selected for this project and documents were processed.
• During August the Contractor notified DPW that they were approximately 40% complete with the construction of the hulls for both vessels. Parts for beams and bridge structure were being assemble.
• In September the contractor was notified by the manufacturer of the Generators (2 for each vessel) that they were ready for shipping.
• The contractor requested that DPW select the color scheme for the interior and the exterior of the vessel for placement of an order since there was a significant supply and delivery time-frame for order of seating and interior trim.
• At the end of September the Contractor was 25% complete overall with the construction of the vessels where the port transverse frames for both hulls were at the time being assembled.
• The contractor received propellers, shafts, steering system and struts for both vessels.
• In October the contractor was approximately 30% complete with the construction of the vessels while the Aluminum sheeting for both hulls was approximately 90% complete at the end of that month.
• Engines and Generators were delivered about 1 week later than expected during November, however the project kept pace with its schedule.
• A meeting for Selection of Flooring was coordinated with DPW and Franchise operators to determine what flooring would be best for long term maintenance (Carpet, Laminate or a combination of the 2; carpet under the seats and laminate in the aisles and walkways).
• A Seating sample was selected by DPW for order placement.  Because there were long lead times needed for delivery of seats for the vessels, it was critical to select the material as early as possible to stay on schedule.
• Samples of approved selections of carpet, and flooring material were delivered following meetings about Hull paint colors, seating, functional accessories, carpet and its color selection.
• Meetings were timed and conducted sufficiently in advance, to accommodate possible delays, long delivery lead times and ensure an on time project schedule.
• The Contractor was ahead of schedule with the construction of the vessels, however in November Engines, Generators and Drive components were received Slightly later (1 week) than scheduled but the project continued to  keep pace with its build schedule.
• Hulls were completed in November, the vessels were flipped over and Aluminum work began on the decks for both vessels.