The Tampa Bay Chamber, South Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (the chambers), jointly, announce their support of ferry service connecting South County to MacDill Air Force Base.
“It’s essential that we identify alternative transportation options, in a cost-effective manner, to support personnel commuting to base, but also to address congestion relief on thoroughfares in and out of the base,” said Dr. Bob Rohrlack, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber.
The chambers and their policy committees voted to support the initiative. They recognize that transportation improvements are one of the areas we as a business community can best support our installation. MacDill’s four gates are access points for thousands of vehicles every morning and are heavily congested at peak demand.
“Utilizing the waterway is ingenious. The greater Riverview area has experienced tremendous growth and increased traffic congestion as a result. This (ferry) project will bring some relief, providing a transportation option for the thousands who serve and/or work at MacDill”, said Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Tanya Doran.
“MacDill Air Force Base is one of the top five local employers in Hillsborough County. Enabling the more than 15,000 active duty and reservist service members, and civilians, who work at MacDill to travel to and from duty in a safe and efficient way will not only increase their quality of life, but it’s good for business”, said Kelly Flannery, President & CEO of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
The joint ferry support comes on the heels of the Tampa Bay Chamber, South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance’s announcement of the formation of the MacDill Means Mobility Task Force, an effort to ensure the Air Force’s selection of MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) to host the next active-duty main operating base for twenty-four KC-46A Pegasus aircraft.