Albermarle County's supervisors say they need more time to secure funding to save the historic Hatton Ferry.

The Board of Supervisors plans to appropriate funding for the ferry's operation when it meets in July. Chairman David Slutzky sent a letter Monday to the Virginia Department of Transportation asking the agency to continue operating the ferry until then.

Earlier this year, the Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to eliminate the ferry, which has operated on the James River near Scottsville since the 1870s. The ferry operates on weekends between April and October.

County officials hope to find private funds to support the ferry.