55 MARCH 2026 A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the FERRIES Act (Federal Enhancement and Revitalization of Reliable Infra- structure for Essential Seaways Act), legislation aimed at increasing federal investment in ferry systems nationwide and providing more predictable long- term funding for ferry operators that connect communities across the coun- try. The bill was introduced by Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Emily Randall (D-WA), Nick Begich (R-AK), and John Garamendi (D-CA), leaders of the Congressional Ferry Caucus. The legislation proposes substantial increases to several existing federal ferry programs administered by the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration, while also es- tablishing a new Ferry Fleet Moderniza- tion and Shipyard Job Creation Grant Program to support vessel replacement, electrification, and alternative fuel proj- ects. These investments are intended to help operators modernize fleets, strengthen domestic shipyard activity, and improve the reliability of ferry services that play an important role in many regional transportation systems. The FERRIES Act was introduced as Congress begins developing the next Surface Transportation Au- thorization, which must be enacted before current programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ex- pire on Sept. 30, 2026. As that pro- cess moves forward, PVA welcomes continued congressional attention to the role ferries play in the nation’s transportation network and mari- time economy and will monitor the legislation as it develops. NEWSWIRE Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce FERRIES Act to Increase Federal Ferry Funding TUESDAY | APRIL 21 Your voice matters. Now more than ever, it’s critical that our industry’s voice is heard on Capitol Hill. Join fellow PVA members for the annual PVA Congressional Fly-In, to engage directly with lawmakers and advocate for the issues impacting our industry. Learn More and Register Today 2026 PVA CONGRESSIONAL FLY-IN
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.