THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, January 13, 1995               TAG: 9501130489
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: SURRY                              LENGTH: Short :   40 lines

PRIVATE TAKEOVER PROPOSED FOR STATE FERRY FLORIDA OPERATOR WOULD ELIMINATE TOLL ON JAMES RIVER RUN.

A Florida-based entrepreneur has proposed taking over the operation of the Jamestown-Scotland ferry from the state and eliminating the ferry's toll.

Currently, the state collects about $700,000 a year from the toll and subsidizes the rest of the ferry's $6.7 million budget.

The toll for the crossing between James City and Surry counties is $4 for a one-way trip, but commuters can pay $5 for a package of 20 one-way tickets.

Ed Von Bergen, who operates ferry companies in several states, said he can run the ferry for less than $5 million a year. That means he could eliminate tolls and still charge the state less than it pays, he said.

Von Bergen said he sent several proposals to state officials this week. He would not discuss details but said the proposals generally involve modifying or replacing the existing four ferryboats and using smaller crews.

Shirley Ybarra, the state's deputy secretary of transportation, said officials met with Von Bergen in December. ``This is certainly something we would want to look at, because it was a proposal to save the state money,'' she said.

Turning over operation of a public service such as the ferry to a private company would fit into Gov. George Allen's plan to make government smaller and less expensive, Ybarra said.

Del. William Barlow, D-Smithfield, said he would be interested in any plan that eliminates tolls. Barlow and other legislators have advocated scrapping the toll to promote tourism and business.

Earl Hall, a Surry County businessman who for 20 years has urged the state to eliminate the ferry's toll, said he'll lobby for Von Bergen's idea. by CNB