The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a $316 million investment to modernize passenger ferry services across the country. These services, used by three million people each month for work and daily activities, have previously benefited from funding that has enabled transit authorities to upgrade ferry service nationwide, spanning from Alaska to Maine, and Georgia to California.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg commented on the impact of this investment, stating, "I have seen firsthand how, for many Americans in many different parts of the country, ferries are the best and sometimes only way to get where they need to go. Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re pleased to make $316 million available to help communities modernize their ferry service so that Americans have better, easier, more reliable options."
According to a department news release, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has provided substantial support for ferry service in conjunction with FTA's long-standing Passenger Ferry Program. The aim is to transition ferry systems towards climate-friendly technologies and expand ferry service in remote regions. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announced includes: $51 million for upgrading passenger ferries through the Passenger Ferry Program; $49 million allocated for the Electric or Low Emitting Ferry program which supports purchasing vessels that reduce emissions via alternative fuels; and $216 million dedicated for the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program aimed at expanding ferry services in rural areas including capital planning and operating costs.
FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool underscored the importance of these investments saying, "Passenger ferries provide critical and cost-effective travel for people throughout the United States, but many ferry agencies are not able to maintain all of their vessels in a state of good repair and make necessary investments in safety. FTA is pleased to provide federal support to help modernize and expand how people travel by water while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing equity by making transit available to more people, and creating good-paying jobs."
