The US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has allocated $384.4m towards modernising ferry services in the country.
The federal funding will help expand and enhance the nation’s ferry service in communities across the country. It will also support an increase in the speed of the shift to zero-emission transportation.
Under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the FTA awarded 23 grants across 11 states and the US Virgin Islands.
The grants will be used to construct new terminals, replace ageing vessels and expand fleets.
It will benefit people in areas ranging from Alaska to Michigan to Maryland.
The US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said: “With these grants, we are improving and expanding ferry service in the communities that rely on waterways the most – often in more rural, remote regions – connecting people to jobs, services and city centres while cutting climate pollution.”
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities will secure $286m under six grants to construct passenger ferries and replace or overhaul older vessels. The department will also make crucial dock upgrades in various communities.
Furthermore, the grants will allow the enhancement of the condition and quality of the Alaska Marine Highway System, which covers 3,500 miles and serves 35 communities.
Meanwhile, the Maine Department of Transportation will receive $28m through the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Programme for the construction of a hybrid-electric vessel to replace a 35-year-old vessel.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will secure $6.6m through the Passenger Ferry Grant Programme for the modernisation of the Hingham Ferry dock.
