The federal government granted the Cross-Bay Ferry $4.8 million to purchase a new boat. The Cross-Bay Ferry connects southern Hillsborough County to MacDill Airforce Base. Hopefully, the addition of this new boat will increase commuter ferry service and connectivity between Tampa and St. Pete.
The grant will buy a 350-passenger boat. At the moment, the Cross-Bay Ferry Service uses leased boats with only capacity for 149 people. The government can extend the grant for an additional five years. The grant program also provides funding for additional projects. Specifically, projects that support ferry connectivity between urbanized areas.
“This grant will allow HART to significantly reduce operational costs while expanding the Cross-Bay Ferry Service, helping to grow inner-city and commuter ferry service,” said representative Kathy Castor. There’s also hope that the expanding service of the ferry will provide new jobs, support small businesses, and reduce overall congestion.
The Passenger Ferry Grant program is an attempt by the federal government to revitalize the public ferry systems in the nation’s urbanized areas. “We are thrilled to receive this grant,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner and HART Chairperson Pat Kemp. “It’s a great down payment on permanent service. It just goes to show how strong our ferry project is and the value of our region working together.”
