FTA awards more than $384 million to improve passenger ferry operations

A combined $383.4 million was awarded to 23 ferry projects in 11 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to support expanding service, improving infrastructure and accelerating the transition to zero-emission fleets. Grants will fund projects, including replacement of old vessels, expand fleets and construction of new terminals and docks.

The federal funding is provided through three Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs, including:

* $252.4 million awarded to eight projects in four states through the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program, which provides competitive funding to states for ferry service in rural areas;

* $97.6 million awarded to seven projects in seven states through the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program that provides competitive funding for electric or low-emitting ferries and charging equipment; and

* $34.4 million to eight projects in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Passenger Ferry Grant Program that supports capital projects to establish new ferry service and repair and modernize ferry vessels, terminals and facilities and equipment in urbanized areas.

"With these grants, we are improving and expanding ferry service in the communities that rely on waterways the most—often in more rural, remote regions—connecting people to jobs, services, and city centers while cutting climate pollution," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Two of the grant programs – Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program and Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program – were established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The two programs will award up to $2.5 billion in grants through Fiscal Year 2026. ................(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/alt-mobility/water-transportation/article/21293887/fta-awards-more-than-384-million-to-improve-passenger-ferry-operations