The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently announced more than $45 million in grants to improve public transportation in 11 states and territories.
According to a press release, $45.3 million in grants has been awarded through FTA’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program to support ferry transportation in 11 states.
"Passenger ferries offer travelers and commuters in many American communities a safe, efficient, climate-friendly way to get where they need to be," Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, according to the press release. "Thanks to the president's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, new funding will bring needed improvements to ferry services in America, particularly in rural communities, and help passenger ferries reduce their emissions."
The bipartisan bill also introduced two additional ferry grant programs which will work toward improving access to ferry transportation and lowering ferry emissions by creating low-emission and electric ferries.
The Ferry Grant Program awards grants to competitive projects which, "support existing ferry service, establish new ferry service and repair and modernize ferry boasts, terminals and related facilities and equipment."
"Passenger ferries are a critical form of public transportation in the United States, allowing commuters and others to get to work, school and medical appointments," FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said, according to the press release. "Funding through the Passenger Ferry grant program ensures this infrastructure remains safe and dependable for people all over the country."
