Tampa Bay business advocates for transfer of federal ferry grant funds.
As the leaders of the Tampa Bay Chamber and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, we collectively represent a diverse array of businesses within our region. In this capacity, we advocate for the pivotal transfer of a U.S. Department of Transportation passenger ferry grant from the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. This transfer is essential for establishing a permanent ferry system that would effectively connect Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, addressing critical transportation needs in the area.
The business community in this region spans geographic borders, and our workforce continues to face increasing transportation challenges. Sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, finance, education, and technology report ongoing issues with commuter accessibility, worsening traffic congestion, and challenges in retaining talent. Workers consistently indicate that mobility remains a significant barrier to employment. The inability to access workplaces effectively results in missed opportunities not only for employees but also for businesses and the economy at large.
The concept of a permanent cross-bay ferry is not merely an innovative transportation idea; it has proven to be a practical solution with demonstrated success in seasonal pilot programs. These initiatives have revealed substantial public demand and highlighted the tangible benefits such a system can provide. Now is the moment to expand this service into a sustainable solution that meets the evolving needs of our growing economy.
By endorsing the grant transfer, we can immediately tap into existing federal resources to construct a long-term transportation asset for our region. A commitment to multimodal transportation, which includes waterborne options, is crucial for alleviating traffic woes and maintaining Tampa Bay’s competitive edge. Employers require access to talent, while employees seek reliable transportation to job opportunities.
This effort transcends the notion of a simple ferry. It represents an investment in a more robust, resilient regional economy. A comprehensive ferry system will not only support our workforce but also reduce environmental impacts associated with single-occupancy vehicles. Additionally, it will enhance our tourism appeal and facilitate connections between communities across the bay, fostering unity in ways that roadways cannot achieve.
Ultimately, we must seize this opportunity to reinvest federal funds in Tampa Bay. The business community stands poised to support transformative transportation solutions such as the cross-bay ferry—an approach that is not only viable but also scalable.