NEWS:
Ferry Caucus Co-Chairs Randall, Begich, Garamendi & Malliotakis Introduce Bipartisan FERRIES Act | Congressional Ferry Caucus


March 3, 2026

Legislation would significantly boost federal funding across all ferry programs

Today, Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06), alongside Ferry Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Nick Begich (R, AK-At-Large), John Garamendi (D, CA-03), and Nicole Malliotakis (R, NY-11), introduced the Federal Enhancement and Revitalization of Reliable Infrastructure for Essential Seaways (FERRIES) Act. The bill would significantly increase federal investments in ferry systems, providing long-term, predictable funding for ferry operators that connect communities across the country. 

 The bipartisan FERRIES Act would:

  • Increase funding for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Passenger Ferry Grant Program to up to $550 million annually. Over the next five years, the bill would authorize $300 million, including $100 million directly from the HTF, and would provide $200 million in advanced appropriations each year.

  • Boost funding for the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Ferry Boat Program through the HTF to $160 million annually with a $2 million annual increase for each subsequent year, in addition to $100 million per year through advanced appropriations.

  • Expand funding for the FTA Rural Ferry Grant Program to up to $550 million per year, with $300 million authorized (including $100 million directly from the HTF) and $250 million in advanced appropriations.

  • Establish the Ferry Fleet Modernization and Shipyard Job Creation Grant Program to increase funding available for operators who want to electrify and modernize their fleets by switching to alternative fuels, thereby investing in shipyards and their workforces across the country who are building a new generation of vessels.

    • The bill provides $100 million in advanced appropriations and $140 million in authorized funding annually.

  • The FERRIES Act would clarify that ferry operators serving both urban and rural communities are eligible for both the FTA Passenger Ferry Grant program and the FTA Ferry Service for Rural Communities program, and create a set-aside for 20 percent of the Rural Ferry Grant Program funds to be available to routes serving any two rural areas, regardless of the distance between those two areas. 

 The Co-Chairs introduced this legislation ahead of the transformative Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s expiration on September 30, 2026. Congress will need to reauthorize and extend the programs included in the law, and the Co-Chairs are calling on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to include the policies and funds included in the FERRIES Act in the next five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill. 

Read the full press release here.