Passenger Ferry Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The Passenger Ferry Grant Program provides competitive funding to support capital projects of public ferry systems in urbanized areas. This includes new or replacement ferry vehicles, rehabilitation of existing ferries and improvements to ferry terminals and related infrastructure.
This Assistance Listing 20.540 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 20.540 will be utilized by DOT at the start of FY 2026.
An eligible service that receives funds from a state under this program shall not be attributed to an urbanized area for purposes of apportioning funds under chapter 53 of Title 49, U.S. Code. An eligible service that receives funds from a State under this program shall not receive funds apportioned under section 5336 or 5337 of Title 49, United States Code, in the same fiscal year.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- State
- U.S. territories
- Local governments
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.
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
Program details & compliance
Description
The Passenger Ferry Grant Program is a competitive federal funding initiative administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under 49 U.S.C. § 5307(h). Its primary purpose is to support capital projects of passenger ferry systems that operate in urbanized areas as part of the public transportation network. Through this program, FTA provides grants for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of ferry boats, terminals, and related infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient ferry service.
This program serves public transit agencies and local governments that operate passenger ferries within Urbanized Areas (UZAs), defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as areas with populations of 50,000 or more. These ferry systems are essential components of regional mobility, often helping to alleviate roadway congestion, provide critical transportation alternatives across bodies of water, and support economic activity in coastal or waterfront communities.
Mission Categories
Primary: Urban Mass Transit
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Passenger Ferry Funding may be used for capital projects that support public transportation ferry systems located in urbanized areas. Eligible uses include the acquisition, construction, and improvement of passenger ferry vessels; the rehabilitation or replacement of aging ferryboats; and the development, upgrade, or expansion of ferry terminals and related shoreside infrastructure. Funds may also support the installation of safety equipment, ADA accessibility improvements, and projects that improve system reliability and passenger service.
Restrictions
There are restrictions as eligible activities can only include, capital projects to purchase, replace, or rehabilitate passenger ferries, terminals, and related facilities and equipment. Funds may not be used for operating expenses, planning, or preventive maintenance.
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.
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