$220M Federal Grants Issued to Modernize U.S. Ferry Systems

Funds will support expansion in rural communities, acquisition of modern ferries, and infrastructure upgrades for low-emission service.

The Biden administration has announced $220 million in grants to modernize the country's ferry systems, with a focus on expanding service in rural communities.
The grants will help transit agencies acquire modern ferries, including electric boats, and upgrade shore infrastructure to support low-emission ferry service.
Twelve ferry operators in the territory of American Samoa and the states of California, Washington, Alaska, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and North Carolina will receive grants.
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority and the Golden Gate Ferry will receive about $22 million to retrofit two of their existing ferry floats in the cities of Alameda and San Francisco and replace the ferry landing at Sausalito Ferry Terminal.
The New York City Department of Transportation will receive nearly $7.5 million to build shoreside terminal infrastructure to enable rapid charging for vessels serving Governors Island, which is only accessible by ferry. The new charging system will reduce emissions, decrease maintenance costs and improve reliability for riders.