Portsmouth Council initiates interlocal commission to address Prudence Island ferry parking crisis

The Portsmouth Town Council convened on February 10, 2025, to address pressing issues regarding ferry services and parking for Prudence Island residents. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by commuters and the need for interlocal cooperation with the Town of Bristol.

The discussion began with concerns about the limited capacity of the current passenger ferry, which can only transport 20 cars at a time. Council members highlighted the necessity of parking facilities for residents who rely on the ferry for commuting. A round-trip passenger ticket costs $6.30, while a ticket for a car is significantly higher at $45, making it unaffordable for many residents.

Council members noted that previous communications with the Attorney General and the ACLU regarding these issues had not yet yielded responses. The need for a local commission to address parking and ferry service concerns was emphasized, with discussions about the potential for establishing an Interlocal Cooperation Commission (ICC) with Bristol to explore parking options.

A motion was made to formally request the establishment of an ICC, which was unanimously approved by the council. The proposed commission would include representatives from both towns and community members, aiming to facilitate discussions on parking solutions.

Further discussions revealed frustrations over Bristol's reluctance to cooperate, particularly regarding parking arrangements that had previously been promised but were not fulfilled. The council expressed the urgency of finding a solution, as the lack of parking has significantly impacted the community, especially for long-term residents and commuters.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for continued efforts to address these transportation challenges, with plans to pursue further discussions and potential working groups to explore alternative ferry docking locations and parking solutions. The council remains committed to advocating for the needs of Prudence Island residents as they navigate these ongoing issues.