Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program - IIJA § 71102
What's New
- On September 16, 2024, FTA announced approximately $300 million in Fiscal Year 2024 project selections to 18 projects in 14 states to improve and expand ferry service in communities across the country to help people connect to jobs and opportunity.
- Funding includes:
- $56.3 million under the Passenger Ferry Grant Program to eight projects in seven states.
- $194 million under the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program to four projects in two states.
- $49 million under the Low or No Emitting Ferry Program to six projects in five states.
- Funding includes:
Overview
One of FTA’s three ferry programs, the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program provides competitive funding for projects that support the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferries and the electrification of or other reduction of emissions from existing ferries.
Eligible Recipients
Any eligible designated or direct recipient of FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Program (Section 5307) or Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311) may apply.
Eligible Activities
Eligible are capital projects that include the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or on-board energy storage systems and related charging infrastructure to reduce emissions or produce zero onboard emissions under normal operation.
The use of alternative fuel means:
- methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols
- a mixture containing at least 85 percent of methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols by volume with gasoline or other fuels;
- natural gas;
- liquefied petroleum gas;
- hydrogen;
- fuels (except alcohol) derived from biological materials;
- electricity (including electricity from solar energy); and
- any other fuel that is not substantially petroleum and that would yield substantial energy security and environmental benefits.
Match
The federal share is not to exceed 80 percent of the net project cost for capital expenditures. The Federal share of the cost of leasing or purchasing a Clean Air Act (CAA) or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ferry is not to exceed 85 percent of the total ferry cost. The federal share in the cost of leasing or acquiring compliant ferry-related equipment and facilities is 90 percent of the net project cost. Applicants must identify these specific activities in their application in order to receive this increased federal share.
Statutory Reference
IIJA § 71102