Tampa Bay Business supports the relocation of federal ferry grants

As leaders of the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and the St. Petersburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, we today write in a unified voice on behalf of thousands of businesses across our region. We urge local leaders and stakeholders to help relocate the U.S. Department of Transportation Passenger Ferry Grant from local transit in the Hillsboro area to the Pinellas Sun Coast Transit Bureau.

Our business community spans the city-county boundary, and the workforce that drives Tampa Bay’s economy is increasingly affected by increasing transportation challenges. Employers across industries, from healthcare and hospitality to finance, education and technology, face persistent challenges related to commuter accessibility, traffic congestion and talent retention. Workers will tell you the same thing. Mobility is a barrier to opportunity. When people can’t make sure they do their job, we all lose.

A permanent Crossbay Ferry is not a futuristic idea. This is a real viable transport solution that has already shown success. Seasonal ferry pilot programs demonstrate strong public demand and concrete benefits. Now is the time to expand and deliver lasting solutions that meet the needs of a growing modern economy.

By approving this grant transfer, existing federal dollars can be used to build long-term transport assets in the region. Investing in multimodal transport, including waterborne options, does not only mitigate traffic. It’s about competing in Tampa Bay. Employers need access to talent, workers need access to work, and our economy depends on both seamless movements.

This isn’t just about boats. It is about building a stronger, more resilient local economy. The ferry system supports our workforce, reduces the environmental impact from single-occupied vehicles, enhances tourism appeal, and connects communities across the bay in ways that highways cannot.

Make the most of this opportunity. I work with these federal funds in Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay. The business community is ready to support bold and advanced transportation solutions. Crossbay Ferry is one such solution. Smart, scalable and ready for voyage.

Edwin Narraine is chairman and Bob Laurak is president and CEO of Tampa Bay Room. Owen Lafab is chairman and Chris Steinocher is president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.