HART has applied for grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support the Cross Bay Ferry service.
The Cross Bay Ferry is a regional, seasonal ferry that started transporting riders in 2014 from Tampa to St. Petersburg.
“I am very excited about this opportunity to apply for a federal grant that would help us to increase the capacity of our current ferry service and set us up for expanded service connecting communities around the Bay. I have been a supporter of the ferry since day one, and I am thrilled that we are now taking action to expand the ferry into a year-round, premium regional transit system connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg with South Hillsborough County," said HART Board Chair and Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith.
In addition to the funding identified in the interlocal agreement, Hillsborough County has established $1 million dollars of matching funds in its fiscal year 2022 budget in support of the project.
“The Cross Bay Ferry ridership has already exceeded all expectations. With this grant, we can move to year-round, permanent service and use our waterways for wonderful, congestion-proof transit in Tampa Bay," said Hillsborough County Commissioner and HART Board member Pat Kemp.
Regional collaboration to support the Cross Bay Ferry includes letters from local, State and Federal representatives.
"The City of Tampa is excited to work with our partners at HART and Hillsborough County to take steps toward new transit solutions in Tampa Bay. Our waterways are a natural opportunity to connect people, jobs, and communities," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
The FTA grant application process for the Passenger Ferry Grant Program 5307(h) FY 2021 was posted on August 6th and closed on October 5th, 2021.
To learn more about the FTA Passenger Ferry Grant Program click here: FTA Passenger Ferry Grant
"The hard-working team at HART and in Hillsborough County, along with our partners at HMS Ferries, have put together a really competitive grant application, and I have high hopes that we will be awarded this grant," said Chair Smith.
The project is backed by the following leaders who have submitted support letters:
- The Honorable Charlie Crist, U.S. Congressman District 13
- The Honorable Gus Bilirakis, U.S. Representative District 12
- The Honorable Kathy Castor, U.S. Representative District 14
- The Honorable Vern Buchanan, U.S. Representative District 16
- Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
- Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chair, Pat Kemp
- City of Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor
- City of St. Petersburg Mayor, Rick Kriseman
- City of St. Petersburg Chair, Ed Montanari
- Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization
- Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
- St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
- Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Hornblower Group DBA HMS Ferries
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