Remove debris (dredging) in the oklahoma river allowing cotpa to provide a transportation service which will allow the ferry boats to operate more efficiently with less maintenance costs and problems

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA), operating as Embark, $674,555.00 in formula funding through the State of Good Repair Grants Program (CFDA 20.525) on September 9, 2025. The award funds critical infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation activities on COTPA's passenger ferry system and associated terminal facilities in Oklahoma City through December 31, 2028. Specifically, the funding supports dredging operations in the Oklahoma River to remove debris that impairs ferry boat operations, and rehabilitation, renovation, and improvements to ferry terminals and landings.

These capital projects are designed to reduce costly mechanical problems and maintenance issues for COTPA's ferry fleet, thereby enabling more efficient and cost-effective public transportation service delivery. The rehabilitation of terminals and landings will create a safer operating environment for passengers and employees while extending the useful life of existing infrastructure assets. The funding supports COTPA's Transit Asset Management plan objectives and directly benefits ferry passengers through improved service reliability and reduced operational costs.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to remove debris (dredging) in the oklahoma river allowing cotpa to provide a transportation service which will allow the ferry boats to operate more efficiently with less maintenance costs and problems. This enables cotpa to provide a better and more cost efficient service for the riders. Rehab renovate repairs and improvements to the terminals/landings will provide a safer environment for passengers and employees and will extend the longevity of each terminal/landing.

Activities

The activities to be performed will be to use these funds for eligible dredging expenses in the oklahoma river. This debris causes numerous problems and expenses to the ferry boats. Rehab renovate repairs and improvements to the terminals/landings will provide a safer environment for passengers and employees and will extend the longevity of each terminal/landing.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcome is to use this state of good repair funding for dredging the oklahoma river which will remove the majority of the debris that causes costly mechanical problems and damage to the cotpa ferry boats. Rehab renovate repairs and improvements to the terminals/landings will provide a safer environment for passengers and employees and will extend the longevity of each terminal/landing.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries will be the ferry boat passengers as this debris removal will allow for a more efficient and less costly form of public transportation service. Less maintenance and breakdowns allows for a more efficient and less costly service. Rehab renovate repairs and improvements to the terminals/landings will provide a safer environment for passengers and employees.