Dozens of people packed into Hadlyme Public Hall on Sunday evening to fight against Gov. Dannel Malloy's plan to cut the state's two ferries.
The Chester-Hadlyme and Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferries are set to end service under the governor's proposal, but Hadlyme residents have started a grassroots movement to stop it, which includes a Facebook page.
"I can't believe they would close this down," Cornelia Chapin, of Hadlyme, said. "It's historical. It brings tourism. It makes people happy and at this particular time."
Captain John Marshall, who attended the meeting, said the ferry brings about 400 cars back and forth each day, which makes it not just a luxury, but a vital part of the transportation system for the region.
"To remove existing pieces of your infrastructure in Connecticut ... doesn't make sense," State Rep. Philip Miller said.
In the coming days, volunteers plan to pass out flyers to passengers, urging them to call the governor's office.
Many are still hopeful that the ferry will still be saved.
"This community has taken it upon themselves to contact government officials and basically beg for our ferry," Hadlyme resident Marcy Saltzman said.
