Frog Ferry pitches public funding model

What they're saying: Ferries are a low-cost transportation model that Portland is missing, Frog Ferry founder and president Susan Bladholm said in a statement.

• A ferry would "reduce roadway wear and tear, get cars off roads," and "incentivize people to be downtown," Bladholm said.

How it works: Residents can buy "shares" in the ferry — which the project makes clear are a donation, not an equity investment — starting at $300.

• $15,000 will allow donors to permanently name a seat on the ferry, $300,000 will secure naming rights for the captain's chair and anyone willing to chip in $900,000 will get to name the vessel.

Context: The idea of bringing ferry service to Portland has been around for years and has yet to gain the backing it needs to move forward.

• Last summer, the project was granted permission to use docks at Cathedral Park and on the South Portland waterfront.
• Service, with estimates of $3.50 per ride, would begin between those two points, with hopes of expanding with lines from Vancouver to Oregon City, if funding allows.

What's next: The group is hoping to raise $2 million from donors to "build momentum" that would spur investment from lawmakers, corporate sponsorships, grants, and philanthropic funding.