The city wants to buy modern new storm proof ferries and docking facilities that can withstand the next superstorm.
Hurricane Sandy devastated the St. George and Whitehall terminals — and knocked out Staten Island Ferry service for five days.
“We must become more resilient,” New York Sen. Charles Schumer said Friday.
The city Department of Transportation on Monday will seek about $270 million in federal funding for three vessels that can handle extreme weather.
The new ferries are also expected to incur less maintenance costs, and not use as much fuel.
Some of the current ferryboats date back decades. The “Kennedy” dates to 1965.
The DOT is also seeking money to upgrade ferry landings in other parts of New York City so the new boats can dock there in emergencies.
DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said upgrading the boats would be a game-changer.
“Shoring up the Staten Island Ferry benefits every New Yorker,” she said.