POINTE A LA HACHE - Plaquemines Parish officials are considering adding fees to previously free ferry routes.

Officials in the parish say they are also considering cutting backing on the number of people able to receive fare exemptions in order to raise more funding for the service.

Director of Public Service Michael Jiles says the ferries currently recoup only a small portion of what it costs to operate them, and the parish needs to raise the fares to help preserve the service. 

It costs about $4 million per year to operate, and Jiles says the parish recoups about $140,000 from fares. General fund money covers the rest. 

The Parish Council may consider the proposal at its Dec. 10 meeting. If approved, the new fares could go into effect in January.