The long-standing dispute over the closure of White’s Ferry, which connects Maryland and Virginia, may finally be coming to an end. Officials from the state of Maryland, Montgomery County, and the Town of Poolesville are hopeful that a $3 million offer from the government will incentivize the private owners to reach a resolution. The ferry, which has been in operation for nearly 250 years, closed in December 2020, resulting in a significant economic loss for the town of Poolesville.
Jim Brown, Poolesville Town Commission President, described the closure as a “terrible scenario” that has impacted the lives of many residents who relied on the ferry for their daily commutes. Re-opening the ferry would not only benefit commuters but also have a positive economic impact, estimated at $9 million annually by transportation departments in Montgomery and Loudoun Counties.
In order for both sides to access the $3 million grant, an agreement must be reached by the end of summer, with final details to be completed by July 1, 2026. County Executive March Elrich highlighted the potential benefits for Poolesville and the surrounding areas, emphasizing the positive impact on business and residents’ commutes.
The resolution of this dispute would not only restore a historic transportation route but also revive economic opportunities for the Town of Poolesville and the wider region. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of negotiations between the landowner and ferry operator to bring White’s Ferry back into operation.
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