Federal bill would fund passenger ferry systems with $3.5 billion through 2031

What does this do?

HR 7774 establishes four permanent federal grant programs supporting passenger ferry services from 2027 through 2031. The programs fund new ferry boats and terminals, urban ferry service, rural ferry access, and fleet modernization. The bill makes these programs a permanent part of federal transportation law, expanding on programs first created in a 2021 infrastructure law.

Who does it affect?

Daily ferry riders, rural communities, state and local transportation agencies, and shipyard workers are the populations most directly affected. State and local agencies apply competitively to the Department of Transportation for the grants.

Why does it matter?

Rural communities that depend on ferries for access to groceries, medical care, and jobs would receive at least 80 percent of rural ferry funding. Funding is protected from budget rules that normally reduce transportation spending, which affects how reliably the money reaches recipients.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• ~$3.5 billion total authorized
• Covers 2027 through 2031
• Fed pays a share of each project