Montgomery County has reached an agreement with Potomac Crossing, LLC to acquire the White’s Ferry property and ferry business assets, marking a major step toward potentially restoring service across the Potomac River.
The county agreed to purchase approximately 2.5 acres of riverfront property, including the ferry ramp, boat launch, store, storage buildings and other improvements, for $1.5 million.
Chuck and Stacy Kuhn, who purchased the ferry operation in 2021, agreed to donate the ferry boats, equipment and other business assets to the county at no cost. The donated assets are valued at more than $7 million. “Stacy and I are pleased to be able to donate the assets and believe the agreement we reached is fair and sets the stage for the ferry to resume, which has always been our main goal,” Chuck Kuhn said.
The agreement does not immediately reopen the ferry. Landing rights at the end of White’s Ferry Road in Loudoun County remain unresolved, and Montgomery County does not have the authority to acquire those rights. County officials said they will continue working with Loudoun County and Virginia officials to secure access to the shoreline. “Now the ferry belongs to the residents of Montgomery County,” County Executive Marc Elrich said. “I hope that our colleagues in Loudoun County and the Commonwealth of Virginia take note of this major shift and see their way to acquire the rights needed to restart the service.”
White’s Ferry has been closed since December 2020 following a court ruling involving the Virginia landing. Before the closure, the ferry carried an estimated 600 to 800 vehicles per day between Montgomery and Loudoun counties. The county’s next steps include removing the vessels from the river, evaluating their condition and beginning repairs. White’s Ferry Grill and other business operations at the property are expected to continue without interruption.
