Sausalito ferry dock project gets $6M federal infusion

November 30, 2023

A long-planned Sausalito ferry dock replacement project is getting a $6 million boost from the Biden administration.

The Federal Transit Administration announced Thursday that it is allocating the funds to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District to replace the Sausalito ferry terminal and boarding system.

Golden Gate Ferry has provided service in Sausalito for more than 50 years, and the Sausalito dock was built in 1996. The service carries a half-million riders a year between Marin and San Francisco.

The funding is part of a $220.2 million package of grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to modernize the nation’s ferry system. Thanks to these funds and Democrats’ appropriation bills, there is an influx of funding to improve outdated transportation infrastructure, said Rep. Jared Huffman, who represents Marin County, part of the North Bay and the North Coast.

“And for regions like the Bay Area, ferries are an important facet of the public transportation system that get high use from commuters and visitors alike,” Huffman said in a written statement. “After years of advocating on behalf of these local programs, I’m excited to see them get these funds to revitalize the ferry fleet and give passengers a safer, more reliable, and greener mode of transportation.”

The project, which the district first introduced to the Sausalito City Council in 2008, will cost $22.5 million. Funding includes $4.4 million in Golden Gate Bridge toll revenue and $12 million in other federal funds. The $6 million grant announced Thursday closes a funding gap that was needed to start soliciting contractors for construction.

“It’s a great day for the bridge district,” said Denis Mulligan, its general manager. “The existing dock is old and antiquated.”

The new terminal will feature a wider boarding platform and hydraulic gangplanks that extend to the vessels with flatter slopes. The improvement makes it more safe and comfortable to board during all tide conditions. It also improves access for people with mobility challenges and enables quicker boarding and unloading of passengers, Mulligan said.

...

For complete article, please visit source link below. 


By:  Adrian Rodriguez
Source: Marin IJ