FTA awards US$32.8 million in federal grant funding for nationwide ferry service improvements

The US government, through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA), has confirmed that approximately US$32.8 million will be collectively awarded to select projects to improve the safety and reliability of America’s passenger ferries and enhance mobility for ferry users across the United States.

A total of nine projects in nine states will receive funding from the FTA’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program.

US Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said that the grants invest in marine infrastructure to improve mobility and enhance safety for passengers.

The FTA Passenger Ferry Grant Program funds projects to purchase, replace, or rehabilitate passenger ferries, terminals, and related infrastructure and equipment.

The FTA received 20 proposals totaling approximately US$99.3 million in funding requests from nine states. Project proposals were evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The selected projects will receive US$30 million in fiscal year 2019 funding and US$2.8 million in prior year funding.