Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA)

The Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA) is the owner of the M/V Emerald Isle. The vessel is operated by the Beaver Island Boat Company (BIBCO) and is a “scheduled fixed route ferry service” providing transportation to and from Charlevoix, Michigan to Beaver Island, Michigan. The M/V Beaver Islander is owned by BIBCO and is also used for the scheduled fixed route service.

BITA was formed in 1993 pursuant of Public Act 196 to form a transit system in the greater Beaver Island area. Through federal, state, and local funding the M/V Emerald Isle was designed and launched in 1997. In 1993 BITA and BIBCO signed a thirty year management agreement to operate the ferry service.

FY27 Revised Application Documents(opens in new tab)

PUBLIC NOTICE

Beaver Island Transportation Authority
PROPOSED STATE AND FEDERAL APPLICATION
FY2027

All citizens are advised that the Beaver Island Transportation Authority has prepared an application for State of Michigan financial assistance for Fiscal Year 2027, as required under Act 51 of the public Acts of 1951, as amended and for federal assistance as required under the federal transit laws, as amended.

The Beaver Island Transportation Authority is requesting $284,142 from the Section 70 Federal Ferry Boat Formula funding for vessel system upgrades and facility improvements, and State Operating Assistance in the total of $667,697.

The proposed application is on file at the Beaver Island Transportation Authority, 26195 Main Street, Beaver Island, Michigan, and may be reviewed during a 30-day period beginning September 18, 2026 to October 18, 2026, between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday or at beaverislandtransportationauthority.com.

The Beaver Island Transportation Authority ensures that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information regarding our Title VI obligations or to file a complaint please contact us at the address given below.

Written comments are invited on the application. Alternatively, any citizen may request in writing that a formal hearing be held concerning the social, economic, and environmental effects of these proposals. Written comments or requests must be received on or before October 18, 2026. Should a hearing be requested, notice of the scheduled date, time and location will be provided at least 10 days in advance.

Submittals should be mailed to Beaver Island Transportation Authority, Post Office Box 426, Beaver Island, Michigan 49782 or via email: bitaboat@outlook.com

EMPLOYER: BEAVER ISLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
TITLE: Administrative Assistant
REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: AT-WILL AND PART-TIME
BITA BOARD APPROVAL ON 8/6/26

ADMISTRATIVE ASSISTANT JOB OPENING
DESCRIPTION:
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
This part-time position is for 10 to 15 hours each week. Workdays will be agreed upon
after hiring and could vary from week to week. This is an at-will position with an hourly
pay rate of $20 (twenty) to $26 (twenty-six) per hour.

ADMISTRATIVE ASSISTANT JOB OPENING READ MORE...

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for performing diverse administrative assistant activities supporting the
Executive Director of the Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA). Addresses
assigned issues and actions relative to a wide variety of BITA matters.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provides administrative support services for BITA.
2. Maintains office files in manual and computerized modes; obtains, gathers and
organizes pertinent data and assembles into usable form.
3. Provides a variety of other clerical, secretarial, and administrative support services
and special projects as requested to facilitate efficient office operations including
running errands, ordering supplies, scheduling maintenance, organizing and
preparing for meetings and appointments, taking minutes, answering phone calls,
and light cleaning.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. High school diploma and proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiar with
setting up and overseeing Teams and Zoom meetings.
2. A minimum of one year of relevant experience.
3. Strong communication, interpersonal, and professional skills are essential.
4. Ability to independently organize and schedule assigned work to meet established
deadlines.
5. Lifting boxes of paper, files and other office supplies weighing a minimum of 10 pounds
daily to a waist-high level; manual dexterity and ability to sit and operate a computer
at a high level of proficiency for extended periods.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the
performance of the position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties,
responsibilities or requirements for the position.
BITA complies with all Federal and State civil rights, equal opportunity, ADA, and Title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Submit resumes including three (3) references by August 21, 2026, 12 noon EST
via email to:

Mary Cook
Executive Director
bitaboat@outlook.com
with “Administrative Assistant” in the subject line.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Call 231-448-3049 to ensure receipt.

Administrative Assistant Job Description
8/7/2026

Beaver Island Transportation Authority
2026 Boat Schedule Community Meeting Recording
January 12, 2026; 5:30 pm at Beaver Island Community Center
The meeting starts at 14:14.

Beaver Island Transportation Authority
PROPOSED STATE AND FEDERAL APPLICATION FY2026

View Details

A NEW FERRY UPDATE - From January 2025 Northern Islander
Bobbi Welke-Chair of the Beaver Island Transportation Authority
View Information

BEAVER ISLAND RECEIVES ANOTHER FEDERAL GRANT TO PUT TOWARD A NEW VESSEL AND DOCK RENOVATIONS
View Information

December 1, 2023 – The Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) has awarded another grant of $10,000,000 to put toward a new vessel and dock renovations for the Beaver Island ferry system. These dollars are in addition to $8,200,000 awarded earlier in the year by the FTA with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) providing match and a Michigan Infrastructure Grant of $14,000,000.

A vessel was designed in 2012 and until recently was not able to be funded. This vessel was designed with diesel engines. The Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA) was awarded $90,000 for a propulsion study funded by MDOT which is currently being conducted to determine what other fuel alternatives besides diesel could be utilized. It is expected the study will be completed by February 2024 and a cost analysis of constructing and operating a new vessel can be determined.

The dock on the Island has been damaged due to high waters in the past few years. Repairs and upgrades will be completed while also making space for the new vessel.

There are currently two vessels transporting passengers, vehicles, and freight, from Charlevoix to Beaver Island between April and December. The M/V Emerald Isle launched in 1997 is owned by BITA and operated by the Beaver Island Boat Company (BIBCO). BIBCO owns and operates the M/V Beaver Islander built in 1962 and runs during peak season and when the M/V Emerald Isle is out for maintenance. The ferry service is essential for the community and economy.

BITA has a contract with BIBCO to provide scheduled transportation to the Island from Charlevoix. Water transportation would not be possible without the support of BIBCO, MDOT, FTA, local, state, federal representatives, and agencies. BITA receives federal and state funding for capital and operations. Questions can be directed to Mary Cook, Executive Director, Beaver Island Transportation Authority, 231/448/3049.

https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-peters-and-stabenow-announce-10-million-in-additional-federal-funding-for-new-beaver-island-ferry

A New Boat Is Looking Promising For Beaver Island

BEAVER ISLAND AWARDED GRANT DOLLARS TO PUT TOWARD A NEW VESSEL
January 27, 2023 - A new boat is looking promising for Beaver Island. A vessel was designed in 2012 and until recently was not able to be funded. A grant from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) for 6,628,285 million was recently awarded and a Michigan Infrastructure Grant of $14,000,000. The Michigan Department of Transportation is also funding the Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA) $90,0000 to conduct a study to determine what type of propulsion system besides diesel could be utilized. This study will take place over the next year. Once completed, an estimate of the cost of a new vessel and yearly upkeep can be determined. The configuration of the dock will also be evaluated.
Read more...

View Press Release from Senators Peters and Stabenow

Emerald Isle - BITA

The BITA Board is comprised of five members appointed by St. James Township. The board meets monthly on the second Tuesday,12 noon, at the BITA building. Financial assistance is received annually through the Michigan Department of Transportation Act 51. BIBCO retains all revenues and pays BITA the local match of fifty percent for operating assistance and ten percent for capital grants.

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Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA)

A New Boat Is Looking Promising For Beaver Island