This application is to request $3000000 in FY24 CPF funds apportioned to the SAN francisco-oakland (UZA #060060)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $3.75 million in Community Project Funding Congressionally Directed Spending (CFDA 20.534) to the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) on September 18, 2025, for the Vallejo Ferry Terminal Reconfiguration project. Of this total, $3 million represents federal funds (80% of eligible project costs), with $750,000 in regional bridge tolls providing the required local match (20%). The project encompasses design, preliminary engineering, environmental analysis, and planning activities scheduled for completion by March 31, 2028.

The funding supports the development of comprehensive design plans and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental clearance for reconfiguring WETA's existing Vallejo Ferry Terminal, which currently operates floats installed in 1998. The reconfigured terminal will extend into Mare Island Strait where greater water depths and reduced sedimentation will eliminate the need for anchor-based float securing. Project deliverables include a redesigned terminal incorporating WETA's standard float design with guide pile installation, a new fixed pier extending into the strait, an updated gangway connection, and infrastructure elements to facilitate future electrification for zero-emission vessel transitions. These improvements are expected to generate substantial long-term operational savings by avoiding recurring dredging expenses, which have historically cost approximately $2 million every 2-3 years.

Activities

Activities for this phase of the project will include design preliminary engineering environmental work and planning. The reconfigured terminal will include wetas standard float design secured with guide piles consistent with other weta terminals. A new fixed pier will be required to extend out into the strait with a new gangway connecting the pier and float. The design will include elements that would facilitate electrification in support the transition to zero emission vessels if feasible propulsion technology is developed.

Expected outcomes

Project will result in final design plans and nepa environmental clearance to allow weta to avoid future dredging expenses or dramatically reduce dredging needs. Recent dredging events have cost close to $2 million and have been required every 2-3 years. Over a 20-year period weta could be spending up to $21 million for dredging needs in vallejo. In addition vallejo dredging events require the construction of a temporary terminal relocation of vallejo service to mare island or cancellation of service runs. In recent years each of these disruptions to passengers have been required.

Intended beneficiaries

Once constructed the work will improve safety for passengers and crew while reducing potential damage to vessels because the risks associated with perpendicular berthing would be avoided. The project also serves zero-emission future goals through a design that facilitates future electrification of the terminal if/when an electric propulsion technology emerges that could be operated on the vallejo route.