42
FOGHORN
NEWSWIRE
T
he Federal Transit Adminis-
tration (FTA) has released its 
FY 2026 Notice of Funding 
Opportunity (NOFO) for federal ferry 
programs, making approximately $657 
million available for projects to improve 
ferry service and infrastructure nation-
wide. Applications are due May 11, 
2026. Read the announcement and 
details on how to apply here.
Funding is available through three 
programs: the Passenger Ferry Grant 
Program ($105 million), the Electric 
or Low-Emitting Ferry Program ($98 
million), and the Ferry Service for Rural 
Communities Program ($454 million). 
Eligible projects include vessel acquisi-
tion, terminal construction and rehabil-
itation, and supporting infrastructure.
For PVA members, this presents a key 
opportunity for public ferry opera-
tors—and private operators working in 
partnership with public entities—to ad-
vance capital projects. It also reinforces 
the importance of continued advocacy 
as Congress begins work on surface 
transportation reauthorization and the 
future of federal ferry funding. FY 2026 
is the final year of funding under the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(IIJA), making this a particularly com-
petitive and important funding cycle.
FTA is prioritizing projects that can 
move quickly to obligation and deliver 
clear benefits to riders, with an empha-
sis on making ferry travel more fam-
ily-friendly. Selection criteria include 
improvements to safety and accessibil-
ity (including for passengers with dis-
abilities), enhanced passenger informa-
tion and wayfinding, and projects that 
improve access to jobs, healthcare, and 
other essential destinations. FTA notes 
that it is prioritizing low emission and 
standard propulsion types over zero 
emission projects and does not want 
lengthy applications.
NEWSWIRE
$657 Million Available for 
2026 FTA Ferry Funding Programs

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.