FERRIES Act

Section 2(a) provides increased funding authorizations ranging from $160,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 to $168,000,000 in fiscal year 2031 for the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities, which can improve local transit infrastructure for everyday travelers.

• Section 2(b) increases the authorization of appropriations to $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the urban passenger ferry grant program and raises apportionments from $30,000,000 to $100,000,000, helping urban commuters rely on better-funded transit options.

• Section 2(c) renames and codifies the ferry fleet modernization and shipyard job creation grant program with authorizations of $140,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, which supports shipyard jobs and modernizes transportation fleets.

• Section 2(d) maintains and updates the rural ferry grant program, authorizing $300,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031, with a requirement that not less than 80 percent of funds go to specific eligible services, directly benefiting rural residents who rely on basic essential ferry services.

• Title II appropriates an additional $500,000,000 for highway infrastructure programs for ferry boats and terminals, $1,250,000,000 for transit infrastructure grants, $1,250,000,000 for the rural communities program, and $500,000,000 for the fleet modernization and shipyard job creation program from the general fund of the Treasury to remain available until expended, injecting substantial resources into public transportation systems.