Lucas Real Estate Group | Trusted Real Estate Advisors in Newport Beach and Coastal Orange County
The Balboa Island Ferry, a beloved Newport Beach institution for over 100 years, is facing a challenging transition. Under a statewide mandate from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the ferry is required to fully electrify its aging fleet by the end of 2025—a monumental task for a small, family-run operation. Many feared this could mark the end of a local treasure that carries cars, bikes, and pedestrians across the harbor every day.
But there’s hope—and now, funding. In a major win for the community, the Balboa Island Ferry has received a $7.9 million demonstration grant to help transition to a zero-emission future. This grant is the result of tireless efforts by community members, advocates, and leaders who rallied to preserve a historic piece of Newport Beach life for generations to come.
We at Lucas Real Estate Group—as Newport Beach residents, REALTORS®, and local experts—know firsthand the importance of the ferry. We’ve made countless crossings with our own families, creating memories that last a lifetime. This is more than just transportation—it’s a thread in the fabric of coastal Orange County living.
$7.9M in Grant Funding Secured
In March 2024, South Coast AQMD, in partnership with the Balboa Island Ferry (BIF), secured a $7.9 million state demonstration grant to support the ferry’s electrification. The project brings together a coalition of partners, including Aurora Marine Design, Green Yachts, the City of Newport Beach, and Southern California Edison.
Assemblywoman Diane Dixon has been instrumental in this effort, introducing AB 3153, a bill that would provide a 15-year extension for compliance, offering small ferry operations like BIF a realistic pathway to modernization.
The Path to a Greener Future
As of April 2025, ferry operations remain fully active, and the team is hard at work:
- Finalizing marine design for the electric vessels
- Coordinating with CARB for compliance flexibility
- Laying the groundwork for a zero-emission future
This ensures that residents, visitors, and future generations will continue to enjoy this scenic and essential crossing for years to come.
Why It Matters for Newport Beach Real Estate
The Balboa Island Ferry isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a unique lifestyle amenity that directly enhances home values and quality of life in neighborhoods like Balboa Island, Balboa Peninsula, Newport Heights, Lido Isle, and Dover Shores.
At Lucas Real Estate Group, we often highlight the ferry to prospective buyers who fall in love with its charm and convenience. Its continued operation ensures ongoing desirability and long-term stability in the area—something that directly benefits both homeowners and investors.
How You Can Help
Community support continues to play a vital role. If you’d like to stand behind the ferry’s electrification efforts and long-term survival, you can:
Sign the petition to Save the Balboa Island Ferry:
https://www.change.org/p/save-the-balboa-island-ferry?show_sign=true&source_location=petition_update_page
Learn more about the ferry’s history, schedule, and ongoing updates:
https://www.balboaislandferry.com
Coastal Expertise You Can Trust
Whether you’re a trustee managing an estate, a buyer relocating to Newport Beach, or an investor seeking off-market opportunities, we’re here to guide you with unmatched local knowledge, legal insight, and full-service real estate representation.
We proudly serve Newport Beach, Eastside Costa Mesa, and surrounding communities like Corona del Mar, Newport Coast, Mesa Del Mar, Westcliff, and Bayshores.
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-Devin Lucas
Lucas Real Estate Group is a top-rated residential real estate team based in Newport Beach, led by Devin R. Lucas – a Real Estate Attorney, Broker, and REALTOR®, and Courtney Lucas – CPA and REALTOR®. We specialize in trust sales, intra-family transfers, luxury transactions, and confidential representation, offering unmatched experience in California property tax law, Proposition 19, and beyond.
Serving Newport Beach, Eastside Costa Mesa, and surrounding Orange County communities
(949) 478-1623 | [email protected]
2901 West Coast Highway, Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA 92663
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