Cornwall County Council is to take control of a ?39.1 scheme to improve transport links between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly.
Plans involve the provision of a new combined vessel to replace the existing passenger ferry (Scillonian III) and freight vessel (Gry Martitha), as well as safety improvements to harbours at both St Mary’s and Penzance.
Cornwall’s council executive is reviewing a recommendation for the authority to lead the development on behalf of the Isles of Scilly Route Partnership.
The Route Partnership was established to maintain a sustainable link between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly. Members of the group ? which include the Islands’ Council, Duchy of Cornwall, Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and British International - are making a combined contribution of ?6.1m to the scheme.
A decision on a bid for ?26.5m from the Department for Transport (DfT) funding is due in May, whilst the remaining ?6.5m would come from European Objective One or Convergence funding.
A study has found that the loss of the sea link would have a wide-ranging impact on employment, commerce and tourism in both Scilly and Cornwall.
A council report noted that the project probably would not move forwards if the Cornwall decided not to take on overall responsibility.