An Alaska State ferry in Ketchikan, Alaska. Photo: FloridaStock/Shutterstock
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the availability of $220 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support and modernize passenger ferry service in both rural and urban communities throughout the United States.
With approximately three million ferry riders each month, these grants will play a significant role in improving transportation options across the nation. Notably, previous grants have successfully enhanced ferry service in various regions, including Alaska, Maine, Georgia, and California.
“For many Americans, ferries are the best way get to work, go to school, or reach a hospital, particularly in island communities and Alaska Native villages,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Everyone ought to have access to affordable, reliable transportation options, and thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are taking an important step to improve ferry service across the country.”
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) encompasses two grant programs: the Passenger Ferry Program and the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program. The Passenger Ferry Program focuses on capital projects involving the purchase, replacement, or modernization of passenger ferries, terminals, and related equipment. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, a total of $50.1 million is available, with $5 million specifically allocated for low- or zero-emission ferries and related facilities or equipment.
On the other hand, the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program is a competitive grant initiative established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This program ensures essential ferry service in rural communities by providing funding for capital, planning, and operating assistance. In FY 2023, a substantial amount of $170 million is available for this purpose.
FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez shed light on the critical role passenger ferries play in offering cost-effective travel options across the United States, but also acknowledged the existing backlog of state-of-the-art repair and safety investments for these services.
“This funding will modernize and expand transit systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advance equity by making transit available to more people, while maintaining and creating good-paying jobs,” Fernandez said.
Earlier this year, the FTA announced the selection of projects for the Ferry Grant Programs, totaling $384.4 million in funding. Nearly $100 million of this amount was dedicated to the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 105,901 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The Royal Navy warship HMS Diamond successfully shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile targeting a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden, marking the first time a Royal Navy warship...
By Rakesh Sharma and Julian Lee (Bloomberg) — India has granted marine insurance approval to four Russian firms, adding impetus to Moscow’s efforts to avoid the use of Western service providers....
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on over a dozen entities, individuals, and ships for their role in the clandestine sale of Iranian unmanned...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 105,901 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
