The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) was awarded a $16 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to transition its fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology and Golden Gate Ferry received $6 million to rehabilitate the Sausalito ferry terminal and boarding systems. The FTA awards were announced Thursday.
WETA's grant will fund its Rapid Electric Emission-Free (REEF) Ferry Program and will pay for the electrification of four ferry floats at the Alameda Seaplane, Downtown San Francisco and Main Street Alameda ferry terminals.
“We’re entering a second golden age of ferries here in the Bay Area, and I’m proud that WETA is leading the global effort to decarbonize the industry,” said Monique Moyer, vice chair of the WETA Board of Directors.
The float electrification project involves structural modification to the passenger floats, procurement and installation of battery banks, grid connections and installation of vessel charging equipment. The grant is a major step in WETA’s quest to bring the nation’s first high-speed, high-capacity zero-emission ferry service to the Bay Area.
Additional funding for the float electrification project will come from Regional Measure 1 bridge tolls and Alameda County’s transportation sales tax, Measure BB. MTC and WETA are transportation partners.
This Golden Gate Ferry project will replace piers and gangways that were built in the 1970s that have exceeded their useful life.
“This grant will make our Sausalito terminal safer, more reliable, and more accessible while encouraging more sustainable first and last mile connections to our ferries,” said Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.
The Sausalito Ferry Terminal Improvement Project will improve boarding and unloading for all passengers, including bicyclists and disabled users, during all tide conditions. The project includes the replacement of the existing steel float with a new concrete float, replacement of the approach pier, replacement of gangways, and installation of new lighting and utilities.
The total project cost is $22.5 million, with matching funds coming from Golden Gate Bridge toll revenues ($4.4 million) and committed federal formula funds ($12 million). The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
More information about the Sausalito Ferry Terminal Improvement project is available here. MTC and Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District are transportation partners.
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