Ferry Operators: Weigh In on Grant Form Overload
Published Date: 2/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Transit Administration is asking for public feedback on the paperwork needed for three ferry grant programs that help passenger ferries, electric or low-emission ferries, and rural ferry services. This review aims to make sure the information collected is useful and not too much work for applicants. If you’re involved in ferry projects, now’s the time to share your thoughts before March 26, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Competitive grants for passenger ferries
If you operate a public ferry system in an urbanized area, you can apply competitively for Federal Transit Administration funding for capital projects like ferry vessels, terminals, and related infrastructure. The FTA collects applicant information to evaluate eligibility, prioritize funding, and oversee compliance.
Grants for electric or low-emission ferries
If you operate a public ferry system, you can apply for competitive funding to buy electric or low-emitting ferries and to electrify or reduce emissions from existing ferries. The FTA will collect information from applicants to evaluate eligibility and prioritize those projects.
Funding to preserve rural ferry service
States can apply competitively for funding under the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program to ensure basic essential ferry service is provided to rural areas. The FTA collects information from applicants and grantees to evaluate eligibility and oversee performance and compliance.
Paperwork and comment deadline for ferry grants
The FTA seeks OMB approval (OMB Control Number 2132-0583) to extend without change the information collection for these three ferry grant programs. The notice estimates 30 annual respondents and a total annual burden of 420 hours, and it asks for public comments by March 26, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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