The Loudoun County government is aware of published reports that imply White’s Ferry ceased operations due to the lack of an established public landing in Virginia. It is important to note that this legal matter is between a private property owner and the ferry operator and that Loudoun County is not party to the lawsuit. The county is issuing this statement to clarify misinformation regarding the county’s role in this matter.
On November 23, 2020, the Loudoun County Circuit Court issued a decision in Rockland Farm, LLC, et al. v. White’s Ferry, Inc. Detailed information about the case may be reviewed in the Circuit Court’s decision here (PDF). No court order has been filed to enjoin the ferry operations.
According to the decision, there is no legally established public or private landing on Rockland Farm’s property where White’s Ferry operates. White Ferry’s has been a privately-operated ferry between Maryland and Virginia for more than 200 years. Since the court’s November decision, Rockland Farm and White’s Ferry have been negotiating the ferry’s continued use of the private property. The decision to cease operation of the ferry was a unilateral decision made by White’s Ferry, Inc., which operates the privately owned ferry.
The legal matter between the Virginia property owner and White’s Ferry began more than ten years ago. Information about the ongoing dispute should be obtained from the legal representatives of the parties involved.
While Loudoun County is not party to the legal dispute, the county remains concerned about the outcome from a regional transportation perspective. We recognize that any impact to ferry service may impact our residents and people who work in Loudoun County.
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