USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

America’s Great Corridors of Commerce RFI is now available

Cameron Ferry Crossing

A picture of the ferry from the Cameron Ferry Crossing LADOTD Project
Alternate Project Name
Cameron Parish Ferry Project
Project Type
Other Surface Transportation
Financing Type
TIFIA
Status
Credit Agreement Executed
Sponsor/Borrower
Louisiana State Bond Commission and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD)
Project Description

The scope of the Project includes the replacement of a nearly 60-year-old vessel with the design and construction of two hybrid diesel-electric ferries. Each ferry can carry approximately 35 cars, 6 semi-trucks, and 500 passengers across the 1,000-foot Calcasieu Ship Channel. Cameron Parish has a significant oil and gas industry presence and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Allowing ferry service to all vehicles, especially larger commercial vehicles, supports the area’s economic development objectives with the only alternative being a drive of more than two hours. 

Read the press release here. 

Project Link
Cameron Ferry Crossing Project Website
Project Details
TIFIA Assistance
$18.20M
Primary Revenue Pledge
Availability Payments
Project Cost
$56.90M
Fiscal Year Closed
FY2023
Funding Sources
TIFIA Loan: $18.2M (secured by Act 443 BP settlement payments)
State Funding: $38.6M
Federal Funding: $0.1M
Project Delivery/Contract Method
The Project is being delivered through Design-Bid-Build (DBB).
Project Participants
Louisiana State Bond Commission and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD)
Project Advisers/Consultants
To LADOTD:
- Financial Advisors: Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors, LLC and Lamont Financial Services Corporation
- Legal Advisor: Foley & Judell, LLP

To USDOT Build America Bureau:
- Financial Advisor: PFM Financial Advisors LLC

Legal Advisor: White & Case LLP
Project Lender
USDOT Build America Bureau
Credit Assistance Detail
The Cameron Ferry Crossing Project was bundled with the Rural Bridge Program, which allowed for more efficient processing and expedient closing. The two TIFIA loans totaling $38.9 million are the fifth and sixth TIFIA loans that Louisiana has closed.
Financial Status
Closed in FY2023.
Innovations
The two new hybrid-electric ferries will help reduce greenhouse gases by using battery-powered electric thrusters. The batteries will be charged by diesel generators on board but can be upgraded to fully electric in the future. Additionally, the projects qualified for the Rural Project Initiative, which offer loans for up to 49% of the project’s eligible costs, as well as fixed interest rates that are half the U.S. Treasury rate.
Application Details
Applicant
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD)
LOI Fiscal Year Received
FY2020
LOI Received Date
Application Received Fiscal Year
FY2022
Application Received Date
Credit Agreement Executed
Initial Eligibility Review
Review Complete
Creditworthiness Review
Review Complete
Application Review
Review Complete
Estimated Project Cost
$56.90M
TIFIA Request
$18.20M
Instrument Type
Direct Loan