The US Department of Transportation (DOT) will invest US$665 million to modernise ferry infrastructure for communities across the United States.
From inland waterway dock expansions to brand-new passenger ferries, the DOT selected 23 projects in 14 states and the United States Virgin Islands.
US$153,406,928 will be allocated to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to replace a 50-year-old passenger vessel that connects smaller communities in Southeast Alaska.
US$7,846,269 will meanwhile go to Florida’s Jacksonville Transportation Authority to upgrade dock infrastructure for the St. Johns River Ferry that moves pedestrians and cars along Florida’s inland waterways.
US$8,000,000 has been earmarked for the Maine Department of Transportation to modernise ageing mainland and island infrastructure and expand docking capacity in Maine’s rural communities.
US$2,027,910 will to Louisiana’s Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District to rehabilitate the ferry landings at Belle Chasse and Scarsdale and help commuters travel more seamlessly along the Mississippi River.
"This investment expands routes and delivers modern ferries to give commuters and families faster, safer, and more reliable options," said Matthew Cahill, Acting Deputy Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration.
"Under [DOT] Secretary [Sean P.] Duffy, we are fully committed to supporting the inland waterways that keep millions of Americans and our economy moving."
