Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program - IIJA § 71102
What's New
- On January 26, 2023, FTA announced $384.4 million in grant awards to 23 projects in 11 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to expand and improve the nation’s ferry service, as well as accelerate the transition to zero emission transportation. The funding will benefit millions of Americans who depend on coastal waters, rivers, bays, and other bodies of water to connect to their communities. Increased funding from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help replace old vessels, expand fleets, and build new terminals and docks, as well as boost service in rural areas and support the transition to low and zero-emission technologies.
- FTA awarded $97.6 million under the FY22-23 Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program to 7 projects in 7 states
Overview
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