For Immediate Release
February 5th, 2026
Federal Funding Expands Waterborne Transportation Options Across Pinellas County
Pinellas County, FL—Waterborne transportation in Pinellas County took a major step forward this week following President Donald Trump’s signing of the 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill into law. The legislation paves the way for permanent ferry infrastructure, giving residents and visitors an additional, reliable transportation option throughout the region.
The bill awards the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) two federal appropriations to support and expand ferry services in Pinellas County.
The first appropriation, worth $850,000 and sponsored by U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, will be used to construct a permanent ferry dock to be used by the Tampa Bay Ferry. The permanent dock will connect two major cities, St. Petersburg and Tampa, through efficient public transit, spur economic development, increase tourism opportunities, and reduce local congestion.
“Our neighbors need more affordable options to travel to work, home and school. Plus, our local visitors love convenient PSTA rides across Pinellas County and Tampa Bay,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “PSTA has been a good steward of tax dollars, and I am thrilled to continue to champion expanded ferry service for our growing community. This project is a win-win-win expanding transportation options, lowering costs and reducing congestion.”
“Transportation remains a major challenge for the Tampa Bay region, but with this additional funding we are one step closer to delivering a reliable Tampa Bay ferry system, offering alternative methods of transportation and reducing roadway congestion,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “I want to thank Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Brad Miller and the PSTA team, and City staff for their work in securing this funding. Through these partnerships, we will continue to deliver real and impactful results for our residents.”
“Thank you to President Trump, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), and Congresswoman Castor for their leadership and vision to help bring reliable and sustainable waterborne transportation to the Tampa Bay Region” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “This investment creates lasting regional infrastructure that gives residents and visitors more transportation choices, and fuels economic activity along our waterfront communities.”
The second appropriation, worth $828,000 and sponsored by U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna, will be used to restore the Ferry Dock in Dunedin and support the Clearwater Ferry service between Dunedin, Downtown Clearwater, and Clearwater Beach. This project restores a critical transit link that supports tourism, workforce mobility, and congestion relief along the intracoastal corridor.
“This $828,000 investment is a meaningful step in Dunedin’s recovery from Hurricane Milton and ensures the Clearwater Ferry can continue serving our waterfront community,” said Rob Walker, Vice Mayor of the Great City of Dunedin. “We want to thank the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority for its leadership, and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna and her staff for securing this critical funding. The rebuilt pier will support ferry service transporting an estimated 25,000 rides in its first year, while promoting tourism, easing roadway congestion during peak travel times, and preserving the maritime character that defines our region.”
“We are incredibly grateful to President Trump, the USDOT, and Congresswoman Luna for their leadership and commitment to Pinellas County,” said Miller. “Restoring the Dunedin Ferry Dock and strengthening the Clearwater Ferry service ensures that our coastal communities remain accessible, connected, and economically vibrant for years to come.”
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
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ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net