LEWES, Del. – Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials recently unveiled a bronze plaque to formally dedicate the Lewes Ferry Terminal Public Pier to honor the service and contributions of former DRBA Commissioner William E. Lowe, III to the bi-state agency.  In September 2019, the DRBA Commission unanimously approved Resolution 19-38 to rename the pier.

“On behalf of the Commissioners and Staff, we’d like publicly recognize and thank Bill for his sixteen years of service as a Commissioner.” said DRBA Chairman Samuel E. Lathem. “Bill was a dedicated public servant who always focused on ways to reach a consensus for the good of the Authority, its customers and stakeholders.  I was fortunate to serve with him for his entire tenure at the Authority.”

“I’d like to thank everyone at the DRBA for their kindness in making this dedication,” Lowe said.  “It is especially gratifying for it to be here on the pier overlooking the Lewes terminal and ferry operations.  It is an honor for which I am profoundly grateful."  

“When I started at the DRBA nearly four years ago, Bill was one of the first people to welcome me aboard and he was a constant resource for me as I acclimated to my new role,” said Executive Director Thomas J. Cook.  “As a veteran Delaware River Pilot, Commissioner Lowe was a passionate supporter of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and provided much needed insight, expertise, and perspective on this important crossing operation.”

Appointed by Governor Ruth Ann Minner to the DRBA Commission in 2003, William E. “Bill” Lowe, III served with distinction, enthusiasm, and dedication for more than sixteen years, including six years as either Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the governing board.

During his time as a Commissioner, Mr. Lowe was a strong, dedicated advocate for rebranding the Cape May – Lewes Ferry Terminals as community gathering places, which offers outstanding waterfront venues for concerts, festivals and other events.  As a result of his leadership and support, the first inaugural Maritime Day Celebration that pays tribute to the region’s maritime history was held at the Lewes Ferry Terminal on May 19, 2012. 

Commissioner Lowe also encouraged public use of this pier, including visits from Delaware and New Jersey’s Tall Ships, the Kalmar Nyckel and AJ Meerwald respectively.  The Freedom Boat Club of Delaware also used it as one of its locations in the State of Delaware for pleasure boating.

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority

The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.

Hero Image:  Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations, (far right) joins with former DRBA Commissioner Bill Lowe (left) to lift the covering to unveil the bronze plaque historic marker at the entrance of Bill Lowe Pier as DRBA Executive Director Tom Cook and Bill’s wife, Rebecca, observe the proceedings.

Photo Insert: Bill Lowe and his wife, Rebecca, pictured with the historic marker at the entrance of Lowe Pier. This public pier was dedicated to recognize Mr. Lowe’s invaluable contributions and dedication to the successful operation of the Delaware River & Bay Authority and support for the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.