U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said his department would invest $175 million in ferry boat service across the country.
Part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Ferry Boat Program, the funding will help improve ferry service in 35 state, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. The investment will provide more cost-effective travel options that rely on ferries to get to work, promote tourism and enable commerce, Duffy said.
“We make life easier when we make the transportation of people and products smoother,” Duffy said. “In places like Alaska, our maritime highways are critical arteries for commuters and regional supply chains. From our skies to our roads, rail networks, and waterways, America is building again thanks to President Trump.”
The Ferry Boat Program (FBP) supports a wide array of projects and assists in building and operating ferry boats, ferry terminals and ferry maintenance facilities for ferry boats carrying cars and passengers and ferry boats carrying passengers only, if service is on a public route on which it is not feasible to build a bridge or tunnel, the department said.
Among the entities receiving funding are the Alaska Marine Highway System which will receive $37.6 million, the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District in California which will $897,162, and the Valley View Ferry Authority in Kentucky which will receive $197,650.
Officials said the federal-aid highway formula funds are distributed to ferry operators through state Departments of Transportation for eligible ferry operators.