USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Passenger Ferry Grant Program - Section 5307

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. 

Overview

One of FTA’s three ferry programs, the Passenger Ferry Grant program provides competitive funding for projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas. These funds constitute a core investment in the enhancement and revitalization of public ferry systems in the nation’s urbanized areas. Funds are awarded based on factors such as the age and condition of existing ferry boats, terminals and related infrastructure; benefits to riders, such as increased reliability; project readiness; and connectivity to other modes of transportation.

Eligible Recipients

Funding is made available to designated recipients and eligible direct recipients of Section 5307 funds, States and federally recognized Tribes that operate a public ferry system in an urbanized area.   

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities are capital projects to purchase, replace, or rehabilitate passenger ferries, terminals, and related facilities and equipment.  Funds may not be used for operating expenses, planning, or preventive maintenance.    

Match

The federal share is not to exceed 80 percent of the net project cost for capital expenditures. However, the Federal share of the cost of leasing or purchasing a ferry that is compliant with the Clean Air Act (CAA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 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

49 U.S.C. 5307

Selected Projects

Additional Resources

 

Grant Type: Competitive