(Rochester, N.Y.) Mayor Robert Duffy wants to take a ride on a hovercraft.
Duffy
said he has an open mind about a proposal to bring two hovercraft to
Rochester for cross-lake service to Toronto. Dale Wilson, of Hover
Transit Services, pitched a $10 million proposal.
The mayor says he wants to learn more about the vessels.
In
all honesty I would want to see one. I would want to get on one first.
All I've seen is a video, he said. "It can traverse Lake Ontario in 45
minutes, which I think is a real plus.
Duffy said any proposal
for ferry service must not involve tax dollars. Wilson says his plan
doesn't require any government help in financing. How much public money
would be required for infrastructure and customs is not clear.
Duffy
said there's no timetable for when the city will make a decision.
Wilson submitted the only proposal for resumption of ferry service
between the two cities.
I would like to ride one, Duffy said.
I don't think they have one available now. If they did, they could
bring it to our port. But if they are serious, if they could, I think
the public would like to see it.
Wilson did not return a call Sunday for reaction to the mayor's comments.
