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Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program

General Grant Program Information

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $98 million in competitive grants for the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program. The competitive funds awarded will support the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferries and the electrification of or other reduction of emissions from existing ferries. Any eligible designated or direct recipient of FTA’s Urbanized Area Formula Program (Section 5307) or Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311) may apply.

Opportunity Status:
Open
Posted Date:
04/06/2026
Close Date:
05/11/2026
Eligible Applicants:
State Governments; Local Governments; Federally Recognized Tribes and Affiliated Groups
Eligible Activities:
Planning; Construction; Resilience; Accessibility
Transportation Type:
Maritime Transit
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$98,000,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:
Yes
Match Waiver:
No
Grant Opportunity ID:
FTA-2026-007-TPM-FERRYPILOT
Grant Opportunity Link:
Grants.gov Opportunity: FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program
Links to Additional Information:
Agency:
USDOT / Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

Eligibility Information

Eligible are capital projects that include the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or on-board energy storage systems and related charging infrastructure to reduce emissions or produce zero onboard emissions under normal operation. Funds may not be used for operating expenses, planning, or preventive maintenance.

The use of alternative fuel means:

  • methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols
  • a mixture containing at least 85 percent of methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols by volume with gasoline or other fuels;
  • natural gas;
  • liquefied petroleum gas;
  • hydrogen;
  • fuels (except alcohol) derived from biological materials;
  • electricity (including electricity from solar energy); and
  • any other fuel that is not substantially petroleum and that would yield substantial energy security and environmental benefits.
     

Funding Information

The federal share is not to exceed 80 percent of the net project cost for capital expenditure. The Federal share of the cost of leasing or purchasing a Clean Air Act (CAA) or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ferry is not to exceed 85 percent of the total ferry cost. The federal share in the cost of leasing or acquiring compliant ferry-related equipment and facilities is 90 percent of the net project cost.

Contact Information

Matt Lange
FTA Office of Program Management
FTAFerryPrograms@dot.gov

Disclaimer:
The Dashboard provides users with a high-level overview of relevant Federal discretionary grant programs. The information in the Dashboard is maintained as a secondary resource and may not be updated with the most recent changes to each program's primary guidance materials. Accordingly, please refer to the Federal grant-making agency for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on a grant opportunity in the Dashboard.