FTA Ferry Programs

What's New

• On August 21, 2026, FTA announced approximately $665 million in Fiscal Year 2026 project selections to 23 projects in 14 states and U.S. Virgin Islands to improve and expand ferry service in communities across the country to help people connect to jobs and opportunity.
  • Funding includes:
    • $103.5 million under the Passenger Ferry Grant Program to eight projects in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    • $454 million under the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program to ten projects in four states.
    • $107.3 million under the Low or No Emitting Ferry Program to five projects in five states. 

Ferry Programs

Passenger Ferry Grant Program – Section 5307(h)

The Passenger Ferry Grant Program makes funding available competitively to assist in the financing of capital projects to support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas, such as ferry vessels, terminals, and related infrastructure. 

Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program - IIJA § 71102

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.

Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program - IIJA § 71103

The Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program provides competitive funding to states to ensure basic essential ferry service is provided to rural areas.