Manatee County is seeking a $3.4 million federal grant to expand its ferry service between the Bradenton riverfront and Anna Maria Island.
The board of county commissioners May 28 authorized their chair and county staff to submit a proposal for a grant under the ferry passenger program administered by the Federal Transit Authority, which is under the Department of Transportation.
The money would be used to add to the service by putting an enclosed ferry on the water.
Currently, the county service runs two open-air boats Wednesday-Sunday between downtown Bradenton and the Anna Maria City Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier on the island.
The county tourist development council has proposed putting a third boat — enclosed to protect passengers from the elements — on the water.
The expansion would involve the construction, delivery, trial and launch of a 60-foot ferry.
The total cost would be $4 million, with the county’s share at 15% or $600,000 and the federal investment at 85% or $3.4 million.
The FTA in April announced $316 million available for fiscal year 2024 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve and expand ferry services, including $51 million for a passenger ferry program, $49 million for electric or low-emissions programs and a$216 million for rural programs.
The ferry boats are operated under a contract with Gulf Coast Water Taxi based in Clearwater.
The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau launched the service earlier this year with funding from tourist development tax revenues and plans for Manatee County Area Transit to assume oversight.
About the Gulf Islands Ferry
The city-to-sand ferry service runs 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday from the riverfront in Bradenton to the Anna Maria City Pier and the Historic Bridge Street Pier. Updates can be found at gulfcoastwatertaxi.com or by calling 941-357-2587.
