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.

NOTICE

BEAVER ISLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SPECIAL MEETING

Wednesday
July 16, 2025
12pm, noon

St. James Township Hall
37735 Michigan Ave
Beaver Island, MI 49782

Agenda

1) Call to Order
2) Quorum Determined
3) Public Comment (two-minute limit)
4) New Vessel Options
5) Public Comment (two-minute limit)
6) Correspondence
7) Adjournment

The Authority will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities by contacting Mary Cook, Executive Director, by email, phone, or mail, see below.

PO Box 426
Beaver Island, MI 49782
231/448/3049
bitrans@tds.net

Beaver Island Transportation Authority (BITA)
Board of Directors Workshop
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 5:00 pm
Central Michigan University Biological Station
33850 East Side Drive
Beaver Island, MI 49782

BITA is hosting a Workshop Briefing on New Vessel Options

Topics include:
• BITA decision making considerations and grant activities
• Consultant panel discussion on findings for one option (next generation vessel)
• Questions/Answers for BITA, BIBCO, and Consultant
• Next Steps (no vessel selection will be made at this workshop)
• Public Comment

The Authority will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities upon 72 hours advance
notice by contacting Mary Cook, Executive Director, by email, phone, or mail, see below.

BITA
PO Box 426
Beaver Island, MI 49782
231/448/3049
bitrans@tds.net

Beaver Island Transportation Authority
PROPOSED STATE AND FEDERAL APPLICATION FY2026

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A NEW FERRY UPDATE - From January 2025 Northern Islander
Bobbi Welke-Chair of the Beaver Island Transportation Authority
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BEAVER ISLAND RECEIVES ANOTHER FEDERAL GRANT TO PUT TOWARD A NEW VESSEL AND DOCK RENOVATIONS
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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