This morning, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board of Directors voted 13-0 to accept the transfer of a $4.8 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Ferry Boat Grant from the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). This critical funding would enable the purchase of two new ferry vessels for the Cross Bay Ferry service connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg—a key step toward expanding regional transit options.
"By supporting this transfer, we protect a strategic investment in Tampa Bay’s future—one that strengthens regional transportation, enhances mobility, and keeps vital federal resources working for our communities," stated Jeff Chernoff, Co-Chair of the Chamber's Policy Council.
Why this matters:
The transfer not only preserves federal dollars for our region, it also saves Hillsborough County $1.2 million in matching funds. Rather than risk losing the grant to other communities nationwide, this move ensures the funding stays local and supports a service that is already connecting people, jobs, and opportunities across the bay.
How we got here:
Originally awarded in 2021, the $4.86 million grant was intended to expand the ferry service to connect South Hillsborough County and MacDill Air Force Base. After that project was canceled in 2023, the funds remained unused. Per FTA guidelines, the grant can only be used to purchase ferry boats. If not reassigned within the region, the funds will be returned to the federal government and allocated elsewhere.
What’s next:
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors will meet on Monday, June 2nd to vote on authorizing the transfer of the grant funding from HART to PSTA.
Last week, the Tampa Bay Chamber and St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce demonstrated their united support of keeping the federal funding in the Tampa Bay region. Read More