AASHTO Journal - FTA Issues $300M in Ferry Modernization Grants

The Federal Transit Administration recently issued nearly $300 million in grant funding to 18 ferry projects in 14 states; projects that include the replacement of old ferry vessels and expansion of ferry fleets, along with building new terminals and docks.

[Above photo by the FTA]

Out of those 18 projects, eight are receiving federal funding specifically for acquisition of “environmentally-friendly” propulsion technologies, such as electric-powered ferries and recharging equipment.

[Editor’s note: The Texas Department of Transportation recently released a “behind the scenes” video about Captain David Askew, a 12-year agency veteran who currently serves as ferry deck supervisor in Port Aransas, TX.]

That $300 million in funding flows from three FTA competitive grant programs, the agency said in a statement:

The Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program will provide $194 million of that funding to four projects in two states.
The Passenger Ferry Grant Program will provide $56.3 million to support eight capital projects in seven states aimed at establishing new ferry service as well fund the repair and modernization of existing ferry vessels, terminals, and facilities in urban areas.
The Electric or Low Emitting Ferry Program will provide $9 million to six projects in five states to help acquire electric or low-emitting ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or via an on-board energy storage system.

Several state department of transportation projects are receiving funds from the FTA from this round of grants:

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities will receive $106.4 million to build a new diesel-electric powered ferry to replace a 60-year-old vessel to serve the rural southwest portion of the state. The agency received funds to help install system-wide wireless connectivity to provide internet access for ferry vessels when sailing between ports as well as to make improvements to the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – a division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation – and the city of Quincy, MA, will receive more than $4.2 million to modernize the Squantum Point Park Ferry Pier with a new pier, float, and ramp system.
The Maine Department of Transportation will receive more than $16.5 million to modernize rural ferry terminals in the towns of Lincolnville and Islesboro that were originally built in 1959.