Federal officials say a new Fire Island ferry terminal will open by Jan. 1.

The $4.6-million terminal in Patchogue has been in the planning stages for years.

Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton), who joined the Christopher Soller, superintendent of Fire Island National Seashore, in unveiling the plan for the new Terminal, toured the construction site of the Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, which will employ nearly 40 construction workers and double the size of the facility.

These funds come from more than $10 million in federal investments allocated to improve Patchogue, including $6.3 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“This funding will create jobs and promote economic growth in Patchogue while improving access for tourists and boaters to the natural beauty of Fire Island and the surrounding waterways,” said Bishop.

Soller said a “spectacular new facility” will be ready in 2010.