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Ferry Service for Rural Communities

General Grant Program Information

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $454 million in competitive grants for the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program. Eligible activities include capital projects to purchase, construct, replace, or rehabilitate ferries, terminals, related infrastructure and related equipment (including electric or low-emitting ferry vessels and related infrastructure), planning projects, and operating assistance.

Opportunity Status:
Open
Posted Date:
04/06/2026
Close Date:
05/11/2026
Eligible Applicants:
State Governments
Eligible Activities:
Planning; Construction; Equipment and Materials; Operations and Maintenance
Transportation Type:
Maritime Transit
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$454,000,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:
Yes
Rural Set-Aside:
Yes
Grant Opportunity ID:
FTA-2026-006-TPM-FERRYRURAL
Grant Opportunity Link:
Grants.gov Opportunity: FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program
Links to Additional Information:
Agency:
USDOT / Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

Eligibility Information

Eligible activities include capital, planning, and operating assistance for a ferry service that operated a regular schedule at any time during the five-year period ending March 1, 2020 and served not less than two rural areas located more than 50 sailing miles apart. Funding is also available for ferry service that serves at least two rural areas with a single segment over 15 miles between two rural areas that is not otherwise eligible for funding under the Passenger Ferry Program.

Funding Information

The maximum Federal share for capital and planning projects selected under the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program is 80 percent of the net project cost. There is no maximum Federal share for operating projects selected under the Rural Ferry Program. However, applicants must meet a maintenance of effort requirement described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

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.