In order to get the ferries into the proposed terminal at Oyster Point, the breakwater has to be widened and reconfigured. And with government paying nearly 80 percent of the nearly $2 million project, Peninsula officials were all too happy to give it their blessing.

”What you have now is a major employment center in the whole north-county bio-tech complex. It has thousands of employees, a great many of whom live in the East Bay, and who have to struggle across the bridges and up the freeways every day,” said San Mateo County Harbor District General Manager Peter Grinnell, who says a ferry system is sorely needed.

In addition, officials say ferry service to that part of the bay could become essential during an emergency.

The service could begin late next year. The whole project could cost as much as $30 million, without the boats.

KCBS' Bob Melrose reports