Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program

Matt Lange
202.366.2053
FTAFerryPrograms@dot.gov

The Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program offers grant funding for capital projects to purchase, construct, replace, or rehabilitate ferries, terminals, related infrastructure and related equipment (including electric or low-emitting ferry vessels and related infrastructure), planning projects, and operating assistance. Eligible activities include:

• Capital projects to purchase, construct, replace, or rehabilitate ferries, terminals, related infrastructure and related equipment (including electric or low-emitting ferry vessels and related infrastructure)
• Planning projects
• Operating assistance

Additional considerations that may be addressed include how the project improves accessibility of transportation to families with young children to include improved access to healthcare facilities, employment, recreational activities, and commercial activity.

Eligible applicants include states and U.S. territories in which eligible service is operated. Local governments and tribes are not eligible applicants but may be subrecipients to an eligible state or territory. Eligible projects must serve at least 2 rural areas located more than 50 sailing (nautical) miles apart.

Expected program funding is approximately $454,000,000 awarded to 5 applicants. Cost sharing of up to 20% may be required depending on project type. See more information in the application instructions.

Links to the full announcement, application instructions, and the online application process are available through grants.gov.