Biden Administration Invests $300 Million to Modernize U.S. Ferry Systems

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced nearly $300 million in grants to expand and modernize ferry systems across the United States.

The funding, part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to improve transportation options for millions of Americans who rely on ferries for their daily commutes and travel needs.

“These funds will make it easier for Americans to move about their day while also protecting the rivers and waterways they depend on economically,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The grants will support 18 projects across 14 states, focusing on replacing aging vessels with electric ships, expanding fleets, and constructing new terminals and docks. Notably, eight of these projects will receive federal support for environmentally friendly propulsion technologies.

FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool praised the initiative, saying, “This historic funding for FTA’s Ferry Programs will enhance ways for people to travel by water. We applaud ferry agencies for taking the big step toward electrification, increasing reliability, and bringing their aging ferry systems into a state of good repair.”

The funding is distributed across three competitive grant programs: the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program ($194 million), the Passenger Ferry Grant Program ($56.3 million), and the Electric or Low Emitting Ferry Program ($49 million). These programs aim to boost ferry service in rural areas, modernize urban ferry systems, and promote the adoption of low- and zero-emission technology.

The FTA highlighted three notable project grant awards, including a $106.4 million grant to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities for a new diesel-electric ferry to serve rural southwest Alaska, replacing a 60-year-old vessel. In San Francisco, $11.5 million will go towards building two new electric ferries to enhance emission-free service between downtown, Treasure Island, and Mission Bay. Additionally, the Maine Department of Transportation will receive $16.6 million to modernize rural ferry terminals in Lincolnville and Islesboro, supporting the future operation of a new hybrid ferry

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