Passenger Ferry Grant Program, Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program, and Ferry Service for Rural Communities 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.

Who Can Apply

• U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)
• Transit Authority
• Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native 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.

Assistance Types

• Grant

Program Contact

ftaferryprograms@dot.gov
2023662053