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The Uncertain Fate Of Connecticut's Ferries

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Commodore%20Skahill/Colin%20McEnroe%20Show%2007-20-2011.mp3

Before we get started on ferries, let me make a few things clear.

First, the process by which the ferries might be eliminated remains kind of a moving target. If nothing changes, ferry personnel will be laid off Aug. 25. But the unions are still fiddling around with new rules and concession proposals that could put some money back into the pipeline.
Maybe. 
 
Second, we realize that some of the upcoming cuts and layoffs are more heartbreaking than the loss of ferries. Some of them will hit desperate people right where they live. It may not even be an exaggeration to say that some of the cuts could cost vulnerable people their lives. 
 
So why are we talking about ferries? Because there's so little that government does that has any romance and that connects us powerfully to an older way of life and that transforms humdrum travel into fleeting moments of joy.
 
That's why. 
 
Leave your comments below, e-mail colin@wnpr.org or Tweet us @wnprcolin.
 
To see a slideshow of all the photos from our visit to the ferry, click here.

Colin McEnroe is a radio host, newspaper columnist, magazine writer, author, playwright, lecturer, moderator, college instructor and occasional singer. Colin can be reached at colin@ctpublic.org.

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The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.