FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Praises Major Funding Win to Transition Balboa Island Ferry to Electric
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Vice Chair Katrina Foley announced news of Balboa Ferry in Newport Beach fully executing contract agreements with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Supervisor Foley helped secure approximately $7.9 million in grant funding from SCAQMD and CARB to support the ferry’s transition to zero-emission electric vessels and install necessary charging infrastructure.
“In 2023 my office convened a working group of stakeholders solely focused on saving the balboa island ferry. Our team identified the Carl Moyer grant as an opportunity to assist in achieving the states greenhouse gas goals and keep the essential Balboa Island Ferry running for generations to come. The Balboa Island ferry remains critical infrastructure, decreasing more than 12 million vehicle miles traveled around the island and the peninsula,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
California adopted regulations requiring certain harbor craft, including the Balboa Island Ferry, to transition to zero-emission technology within a defined timeframe. Residents expressed concerns of the ferry disproportionately impacting the ferry compared to larger commercial operators. Rather than allowing that pressure to jeopardize its future, Supervisor Foley worked proactively with state and regional partners to ensure a practical and effective path forward.
Supervisor Foley’s Involvement with Balboa Ferry
- Advocated to the California Air Resources Board requesting both funding support and flexibility on compliance timelines to ensure the ferry continues operating while transitioning to cleaner technology.
- Worked alongside state and regional partners to ensure the ferry meets California’s zero-emission requirements without interrupting service for residents and visitors.
- Supported AQMD’s approval of the funding package and continued monitoring implementation to ensure a smooth rollout of new electric vessels.
Operating since 1919, the Balboa Island Ferry represents one of the last remaining auto ferries in Southern California and a treasured part of Newport Harbor’s identity. For generations, it served as a symbol of our coastal heritage – a family tradition, a defining harbor experience, and an iconic landmark.
To inquire about Vice Chair Foley’s media availability, please contact Latisha Townsend at (714) 559-8364.
###
Vice Chair Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2026 Board appointments include:
Coastal Greenbelt Authority
National Association of Counties (NACO),
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees,
OC Public Libraries Advisory Board,
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA),
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
Transportation Corridor Agency - Foothill/Eastern,
Transportation Corridor Agency - San Joaquin Hills,
Urban Counties Caucus
