- USDOT is investing $175 million to expand and improve ferry services in 35 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
- Funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program to support vessels, terminals, and maintenance facilities.
- Key allocations include $37 million for the Alaska Marine Highway System and upgrades in San Francisco and Rhode Island.
- The initiative focuses on strengthening access to underserved regions while modernizing national transportation infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a $175 million investment to strengthen ferry services across 35 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. The funding, provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program, will support vessel construction, terminal development, and facility maintenance. According to a report from FullAvanteNews, this initiative is designed to improve transportation infrastructure and expand access to communities that rely heavily on ferry services.
Ferry Infrastructure and Service Enhancements
The Ferry Boat Program allocations highlight the importance of maritime transport in connecting underserved regions. Major funding includes $37 million for the Alaska Marine Highway System, $1.6 million to enhance San Francisco’s Alcatraz Cruises terminal, and $433,000 for improvements at Rhode Island’s Spiritline Cruises terminal serving Fort Sumter Tours. Additional funding has been directed to states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, and Hawaii, where ferry systems play a crucial role in daily mobility and tourism.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that modernizing ferry operations improves the movement of people and goods while strengthening the nation’s overall infrastructure. By addressing financial gaps in ferry projects, the program supports both new vessel acquisitions and capital upgrades, ensuring safe and reliable service for passengers and freight.
Did you subscribe to our Daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Full Avante News
