St. Petersburg officials have long grappled with the challenge of finding a permanent downtown location for the Cross Bay Ferry. However, a potential solution has now come into focus, as a significant federal grant awarded in 2021 is set to expire, and the current operator, Hillsborough County, no longer wishes to manage the embattled service.

Unlocking the Potential of a Crucial Grant

The $4.86 million Passenger Ferry Grant, secured by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) from the U.S. Department of Transportation, was intended to support the expansion of the Cross Bay Ferry service. However, HART has faced numerous challenges, including procurement issues that have substantially delayed the purchase of a new vessel.As the grant's expiration date approaches, Hillsborough County has decided to relinquish its management of the ferry service. This presents an opportunity for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) to step in and oversee the selection of a new ferry operator before the current use agreement ends in October 2025.

Exploring a Permanent Dock in St. Petersburg

PSTA's leadership has also explored the possibility of using the remaining grant funds to address a critical need – the construction of a much-needed permanent dock in St. Petersburg. The ferry service has been operating under a temporary permit in the city's North Yacht Basin, but this arrangement is set to expire in October 2023, prompting the ferry to relocate to the Port St. Pete facility.During the recent legislative session, state representatives Lindsay Cross and Nick DiCeglie requested $950,000 to build a permanent dock at the city-owned Port St. Pete facility. However, this appropriation did not emerge from the committees, leaving the city to potentially self-fund the project.

Transferring the Grant: A Promising Solution

PSTA's CEO, Brad Miller, has expressed interest in exploring the possibility of transferring the remaining grant funds from HART to PSTA. This would allow the transit authority to utilize the funds for the much-needed dock in St. Petersburg, ensuring the continued operation and expansion of the Cross Bay Ferry service.Miller noted that HART had used some of the grant money for dock improvements in Tampa, but that at least $4 million remains unspent. He also acknowledged that the agencies have partnered to provide the ferry service, making it logical for the Department of Transportation to transfer the funds to PSTA.

Navigating the Bureaucratic Hurdles

The process of transferring the grant funds is not without its challenges. Miller stated that he would need to seek approval from the Federal Transit Administration to determine if PSTA could use the grant, potentially not for the purchase of a new vessel, but rather for the construction of the dock and pier facilities.Harry Glenn, a federal lobbyist for PSTA, has indicated that docking and pier facilities are eligible under the Passenger Ferry Grant program, further bolstering the case for the transfer. However, the final decision will ultimately rest with the Department of Transportation.

A Collaborative Effort for the Greater Good

Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, local stakeholders have expressed a willingness to work together to ensure the successful transfer of the grant funds. Council member Gina Driscoll noted the partnership between the agencies in providing the ferry service, suggesting that the Department of Transportation should be receptive to the transfer.As the Cross Bay Ferry service continues to evolve, the potential transfer of the $4.86 million grant to PSTA represents a promising solution that could secure a permanent home for the ferry in downtown St. Petersburg. This collaborative effort, if successful, would not only benefit the local community but also strengthen the region's transportation connectivity and economic development.