Passenger Ferry Grant Program, Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program, and Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
The Passenger Ferry Grant Program provides funding for passenger ferries through a competitive process for capital projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas, such as ferry vessels, terminals, and related infrastructure.
The Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program makes federal funds available to projects that supports the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels.
The Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program makes federal funds available to states to ensure basic essential ferry service is provided to rural areas.
Refer to this Assistance Listing (AL) Number for FY24 and FY25 financial obligations. In August 2025, this AL was divided into three program‑specific listings: Electric or Low‑Emitting Passenger Ferry Program – 20.538, Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program – 20.539, and Passenger Ferry Program – 20.540. These new listings will be used by DOT beginning in FY 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Transit Authority
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Port Authority
For the Passenger Ferry Program, eligible applicants are designated recipients or direct recipients of FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Grants, as well as public entities engaged in providing public transportation passenger ferry service in urban areas that are eligible to be direct recipients.
For the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program are Designated/Direct Recipients of Section 5307 funding, including Designated/Direct Recipients of Section 5311 funding, including States, Territories and Tribal Governments.
For the Ferry Service for Rural Communities, eligible recipients are States and territories.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
After the technical evaluation, projects recommended for funding are presented to senior management for review. The FTA Administrator will determine the final selection of projects for program funding. Final project selections are posting on the FTA website along with any implementation guidance.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 15 to 30 days
Program details & compliance
Description
The Passenger Ferry Grant Program makes federal funds available to designated recipients or eligible direct recipients of Urbanized Area Formula funds to support ferry capital projects.
The Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program makes federal funds available to projects that supports the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels.
The Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program makes federal funds available to states to ensure basic essential ferry service is provided to rural areas.
Mission Categories
Primary: Urban Mass Transit
Other categories:
Water Navigation
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Passenger Ferry Grant Program: Capital assistance to support existing ferry service, establish new ferry service, and repair and modernize ferry boasts, terminals, and related facilities and equipment.
Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program: Capital assistance to support the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or on-board energy storage systems and related charging infrastructure to reduce emissions or produce zero onboard emissions under normal operation.
Ferry Service Rural Communities: Eligible activities include capital, planning, and operating assistance for a ferry service that operated a regular schedule at any time during the five-year period ending March 1, 2020 and served not less than two rural areas located more than 50 sailing miles apart. Funding is also available for ferry service that serves at least two rural areas with a single segment over 20 miles between two rural areas that is not otherwise eligible for funding under the Passenger Ferry Program.
Restrictions
See current NOFO.
Required Documentation
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.Gov. A complete proposal submission for each program consists of two forms: the SF-424 Application For Federal Assistance and the supplemental form for each program.
Matching Requirements
The maximum Federal share for capital projects selected under the Ferry Program, Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program and Ferry Service for Rural Communities is 80 percent of the net project cost. See NOFO for exceptions.
The maximum Federal share for operating projects selected under the Ferry Services for Rural Communities program is described in the NOFO. For planning projects, the maximum federal share is 80 percent.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements