DOT awarding $300 million in grants for ferry system upgrades

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration is awarding almost $300 million in grants to enhance and upgrade ferry systems nationwide. Ferries are responsible for 56 million trips annually, contributing to the transport of people and goods, stimulating local economies, reducing costs for families, and offering vital transportation links for Americans who may not have other options.

The FTA is providing 18 grants for projects spread across 14 states, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for initiatives like replacing outdated vessels with electric ships, expanding ferry fleets, and constructing new terminals and docks.

Funding from three FTA competitive grant programs will enhance ferry services in rural areas, upgrade urban ferry systems and reduce emissions by accelerating the adoption of low- and zero-emission technologies. Eight of the projects will receive federal backing for eco-friendly propulsion technologies, including electric ferries and charging infrastructure.

The three ferry programs seeing grants from this announcement are:

The Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program offers competitive funding to states for rural ferry services. Four projects in two states will receive $194 million.

The Passenger Ferry Grant Program helps fund capital projects to introduce new ferry services and to repair or modernize ferry vessels, terminals, and facilities in urban areas. Eight projects in seven states were awarded $56.3 million.

The Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Program funds the purchase of ferry vessels that reduce emissions by utilizing alternative fuels or energy storage systems. Six projects in five states have been granted $49 million.

Selected ferry projects for Fiscal Year 2024 include:

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities will receive $106.4 million to construct a new ferry to replace a 60-year-old vessel. The new ferry will use a diesel-electric propulsion system and serve rural southwest Alaska, enhancing service, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and maintaining a crucial transit link.

The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority will be awarded $11.5 million to build two new electric ferries for its emission-free service between downtown San Francisco, Treasure Island and Mission Bay. This project will alleviate congestion and offer fast, clean and reliable transit to expanding neighborhoods with limited road access.

The Maine Department of Transportation will get approximately $16.6 million to upgrade rural ferry terminals built in 1959 in Lincolnville and Islesboro. These improvements will enhance safety and repair conditions, supporting the future operation of a new hybrid ferry serving these communities.

Projects were chosen based on the criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The FTA received 43 eligible proposals requesting a total of $638.7 million.

Photo: Gordon Leggett / Wikimedia Commons