PRESS RELEASE:
The Public Ferry Coalition Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan FERRIES Act
March 26, 2026
The Public Ferry Coalition applauds the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus and welcomes this important step in raising awareness of the vital role ferries play in our transportation system.
The Public Ferry Coalition earlier this month welcomed the introduction of the bipartisan Federal Enhancement and Revitalization of Reliable Infrastructure for Essential Seaways (FERRIES) Act, landmark legislation that would significantly increase and stabilize federal funding for ferry systems across the United States. The bill recognizes ferries as essential transportation lifelines that connect communities, support local economies, and provide safe, reliable mobility for millions of riders each year.
“The FERRIES Act is a significant step toward giving ferry operators the long-term, predictable federal support they need to modernize fleets, maintain service, and meet growing demand.” Lauren Gularte, Public Ferry Coalition Co-Chair.
The FERRIES Act would expand and strengthen existing federal ferry programs while creating new tools to address pressing infrastructure and workforce needs. Specifically, the bill would:
Increase funding for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Passenger Ferry Grant Program, to support vessel replacement, state-of-good-repair investments, and service expansion.
Boost funding for the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Ferry Boat Program, to improve terminals, docks, and shoreside infrastructure critical for safety and reliability.
Expand funding for the FTA Rural Ferry Grant Program, helping isolated and underserved communities that rely on ferries as their only year-round connection to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential goods.
Establish the Ferry Fleet Modernization and Shipyard Job Creation Grant Program, to increase funding for operators who are modernizing their fleets
From major metropolitan corridors to small island and coastal communities, ferries reduce highway congestion, cut travel times, and make our transportation network more resilient in the face of climate and extreme weather. By investing in newer vessels, stronger terminals, and a skilled maritime workforce, the FERRIES Act will deliver benefits far beyond the dock.
The introduction of the FERRIES Act comes at a critical moment, as ferry operators nationwide confront issues arising from aging vessels, rising costs, workforce shortages, and growing demand for reliable, low-emission service. Many systems are also preparing for the expiration of current federal surface transportation programs, making long-term reauthorization and enhanced ferry funding essential to avoid service cuts and deferred maintenance.
The Public Ferry Coalition applauds Representatives Emily Randall (D-WA), Nick Begich (R-AK), John Garamendi (D-CA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and the Congressional Ferry Caucus for championing ferry riders and the communities they serve, and urges Congress to include the FERRIES Act in the surface transportation reauthorization bill.
“We look forward to working with Congress, federal agencies, and our member systems to advance this legislation,” said Gularte. “With the FERRIES Act, the nation can make a once-in-a-generation investment in safe, reliable, and sustainable ferry service.”
For more information about the FERRIES Act and its impact on ferry systems nationwide, please contact: chair@publicferrycoalition.org
About The Public Ferry Coalition
The Public Ferry Coalition (PFC) is a national organization representing the interests of 25 public ferry operators across the country. Together, these operators transport more than 52 million passengers and 13 million vehicles annually over routes spanning 14,000 miles. Public ferry systems play a vital role in America’s transportation network, alleviating congestion in major metropolitan areas while connecting waterfront communities to jobs, healthcare, shopping, and recreation. They also provide essential services to isolated and rural communities as alternatives to roadways and serve as critical alternatives for emergency evacuations. PFC members collaborate to develop best practices addressing common regulatory, administrative, and operational challenges and work together to advocate for critical funding that is needed to invest in marine and shoreside Infrastructure to meet growing ridership demand; and to invest in new innovations to promote advanced mobility, sustainability and resiliency.