Electric or Low-Emitting Passenger Ferry Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program provides competitive funding to support the purchase or construction of electric or low-emission ferry vessels, electrification infrastructure, and related equipment. This Assistance Listing 20.538 created in August 2025 was included in the previous ALN 20.532, please refer to former ALN 20.532 for FY24 and FY25 financial obligations. The new Assistance Listing 20.538 will be utilized by DOT at the start of FY 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Local Government Consortium
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Transit Authority
Entities eligible to apply for funding under the the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program include; state governments, local governments (such as city or county transit agencies), federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public transit agencies or authorities that operate or contract passenger ferry services and U.S. territories and possessions.
Grant applicants must be responsible for operating or overseeing passenger ferry systems and demonstrate capacity to manage federal transit funds. Using terms like “state government ferry grants,” “local government ferry funding,” “tribal ferry grants,” and “public transit ferry grants” will help public users find this listing. such as “electric ferry funding,” “low-emission ferry grants,” “zero-emission ferry projects,” and “ferry electrification grants” are relevant for search purposes.
Eligible recipients for the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Program are Designated/Direct Recipients of Section 5307 funding, including Designated/Direct Recipients of Section 5311 funding,
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 30 to 60 days
Award recipients are publicly announced via press release and published on FTA's website.
Program details & compliance
Description
FTA’s Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Program is a competitive grant designed to help modernize the nation’s ferry systems by supporting the transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies. This program provides funding for the purchase, construction, or replacement of passenger ferry vessels to electric, low- or zero-emission propulsion systems, as well as the associated infrastructure, such as charging stations and maintenance facilities. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote more sustainable transit options for ferry-dependent communities. Eligible applicants include state and local government entities, federally recognized Indian tribes, and other public entities responsible for operating or contracting ferry service.
Mission Categories
Primary: Urban Mass Transit
Other categories:
Water Navigation
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
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. Under the Electric and Low-Emitting Ferry Program, funds may not be used to fund operating expenses, planning, or preventive maintenance.
Restrictions
Funds from the FTA's electric or low-emitting passenger ferry program may not be used for operating expenses, planning, or preventive maintenance. The money is primarily for capital projects like purchasing or rehabilitating vessels, terminals, and related infrastructure or equipment.
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.
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.
2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Matching Requirements
Grant recipients are generally required to provide a local match of at least 20% of the total cost of the project. The means the federal share is typically covers up to 80% of allowable project expenses. The match can come from state or local funds, tribal funds, or other non-federal sources. Fund match must be documented.
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