Ferry Infrastructure Grant Program

DOT Press Releases

Published April 6th, 2026

Detected April 6th, 2026

Summary

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced $657 million in FTA ferry grants to modernize terminal infrastructure, launch new ferry routes, and fund new ferries. The funding aims to improve family-friendly travel options in both rural and urban communities, with applications due by May 11, 2026.

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The Federal Transit Administration announced $657 million in ferry grant funding under the FTA Ferry Formula and Discretionary Programs. The funding opportunity targets terminal modernization, new ferry construction, route expansion, safety improvements, wayfinding enhancements, and accessibility upgrades for families and persons with disabilities. Project selection criteria emphasize family-friendly travel, safety for children and persons with disabilities, and improved real-time information in passenger waiting areas.

Eligible applicants must submit projects through the Notice of Funding Opportunity by May 11, 2026. While this is a grant announcement rather than a regulatory mandate, transportation operators and transit authorities should review eligibility criteria to identify potential infrastructure improvement opportunities. No penalties or compliance obligations are associated with this funding announcement.

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Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Invests $657 Million to Improve America’s Ferry Infrastructure

Monday, April 6, 2026 FTA grant program provides funding to improve family-friendly travel on ferries

WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will invest $657 million into America’s ferry services and infrastructure.

"Under President Trump, America is building again and that includes our nation’s ferry fleet responsible for moving American families. This investment will expand routes and fund new ferries to give American workers and families more transportation options in both rural and urban cities," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

FTA's ferry grant programs help modernize terminal infrastructure, launch new ferry routes, and fund new ferries to connect American families to their jobs and new communities more efficiently.

Additional Information:

To make travel more family-friendly on America’s waterways and jumpstart economic growth, USDOT has outlined the following criteria for project selection:

Benefits for Families: How a project will make ferry travel more family-friendly and improve access to jobs, doctor’s offices, and leisure activities.
Safety: How a project will improve the accessibility of transportation for families with young children, including those with strollers, and increase accessibility for people with disabilities, including persons with intellectual, developmental, sensory, or mobility disabilities.
Wayfinding Improvements: How a project will make real-time information in passenger waiting areas easier to read by using large print and simplified language. The Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the application criteria. Applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects as soon as possible and must do so by May 11, 2026.