DOT Receives $300M Grants to Improve Ferry Systems
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced nearly $300 million in grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enhance and modernize ferry systems across 14 states. With ferries facilitating 56 million trips annually, these funds aim to improve transportation for communities reliant on water travel, while simultaneously supporting local economies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of reliable, cleaner ferry services for Americans who depend on this mode of transit.
The grants will finance 18 projects, focusing on initiatives such as replacing aging vessels with electric ferries, expanding fleets, and constructing new terminals. Notably, four projects in rural areas will receive a combined $194 million to improve service and reduce emissions. Among the highlighted projects, Alaska will receive over $106 million for a new diesel-electric ferry, while San Francisco will develop two electric ferries to enhance service in congested areas. This investment underscores the administration’s commitment to modernizing public transit infrastructure and promoting environmentally friendly transportation solutions, making ferry services safer and more efficient for all users.
