This morning, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Board of Directors voted 8-3 to transfer the $4.8 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Ferry Boat Grant to Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). 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.
The Tampa Bay Chamber firmly believes that economic development and businesses thrive where regional collaboration is strong. We are grateful to the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce for their continued partnership and shared commitment to advancing solutions that benefit all of Tampa Bay. Together we can create a stronger, more connected region; one that prioritizes access, mobility, and opportunity for every community we serve.
Speaking on behalf of the Tampa Bay Chamber, Lorena Hardwick, Co-Chair of the Policy Council, said in part, “A dedicated ferry service between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties offers a practical, cost-effective solution to enhance regional connectivity. It’s a project that directly supports our shared goals: easing commuter burden, broadening access to jobs, supporting tourism, and fostering sustainable economic development.”
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 for use by another community elsewhere.
What’s next:
A formal request will be sent to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, asking for the approval of the transfer of the passenger ferry grant from HART to PSTA.