Ferry Service to Santa Rosa Island

Dan Brown, superintendent of the Gulf Island National Park, gave an update on the ferry project that is partially funded through BP restoration funds.  Alternative transportation studies concluded that a ferry service would be economically viable and had strong local support.  The ferry will also be able to support itself. 

2004 – 2005 hurricane season led to Gulf Island receiving 2.8 million to build a new ferry pier.  Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 resulted in 4 million in NRDA funding for ferry boats

 Ferry service route and schedule -  

• Mid-March – October
• Daily during peak season, weekends in slower seasons
  
• 35-45 minute trips each leg
  
• 2 boats, clockwise and counterclockwise routes
  
• Minimum 6 departures and 5 arrivals each destination
  
• Scheduling flexibility to best serve customers
  
• Boats berthed overnight in Pensacola
  

Operator Provides

• Ferry operation
  
• Food Service (on boat and at Ft Pickens)
  
• Retail and rental at Ft Pickens (bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddle boards, water toys)
  
• Operation of Ft Pickens shuttle service
  
• Optional ferry  excursions with the 3red boat (sunset cruises, firework cruises, dinner cruises, dolphin cruises)
  

Ft Pickens shuttle service

• Connect ferry to beaches, historic sites and campgrounds
  
• Solar powered electric trams
  
• Service integrated with the ferry schedule
  

Ft Pickens arrival and departure area

• Existing new ferry pier and shade shelter
  
• Adaptive reuse of historic structures for ticket sales, concessions and exhibits
  
• New restrooms, picnic shelter, bike storage and rental
  

Development cost at Pensacola Departure Site

• Landside – Site                                                $222,000
  
• Landside – ticketing/building                        $589,000
  
• Waterside                                                        $896,000
  
• Design and Permitting                                   $190,000
  
• Total                                                              $1,897,000
  

  Pensacola Beach departure site – Escambia County submitting FLAP grant application March 2015

• Ferry slip extension
  
• Widen existing dock
  
• Handicap accessibility
  
• Shaded seating area
  
• Ticket kiosk
  

Financial Modeling – Projected financial viability for concession contract

• 60,000 passengers (range 36,000 – 95,000)
  
• Ticketing range: $15/adults, $10 to $12
  
• Revenue sources: Ticket fares, sales and rentals
  

Schedule

• BP/NRDA Settlement Funding                                       Dec 2014
  
• Memorandums of Agreement – City and SRIA            Summer 2015
  
• Ferry Design/Build Contract Award                               Sept 2015
  
• Ferry/Landside Concession Contract                             Nov 2016
  
• Departure sites construction completed                       Dec 2016
  
• Ferry Vessel and Shuttle Vehicle Delivery                      Jan 2017
  
• Transportation Start up                                                   March 2017