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119-hr-7774119th CongressWALLET

FERRIES Act

Sponsored By: Representative Randall, Emily [D-WA-6]

In Committee

Summary

Expands and funds federal passenger ferry programs and infrastructure. The bill codifies and reorganizes ferry grant programs, creates new urban and rural grant streams, and sets multi‑year, general fund appropriations through 2031 to build boats, terminals, and modernize fleets.

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  • Commuters and cities: Creates an Urban Passenger Ferry Grant program and raises apportionments for ferry transit grants from $30 million to $100 million, backed by Title II funding for passenger ferry grants totaling $1.25 billion ($250 million per year for 2027–2031).
  • Rural residents and essential users: Establishes a Ferry Service for Rural Communities program with competitive state grants and an 80% minimum allocation rule for eligible essential services, supported by $1.25 billion in Title II appropriations ($250 million per year for 2027–2031).
  • Shipyards, operators, and workers: Codifies the ferry fleet modernization and shipyard job creation program as a permanent grant program (new section 5313) and provides $500 million in Title II funding ($100 million per year) plus an additional $500 million for ferry boat and terminal construction at the Federal Highway Administration.

*Adds about $3.5 billion in general fund appropriations for ferry programs across 2027–2031, increasing federal outlays over that period.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More funding for urban ferries

If enacted, the bill would add $200 million per year for urban passenger ferry grants for FY2027 through FY2031, on top of existing funds. It would also raise a statutory apportionment from $30,000,000 to $100,000,000 for certain eligible recipients. Cities and transit agencies that run ferries would have access to more federal support.

New grants for rural ferry service

If enacted, the bill would create a competitive grant program to support basic ferry service in rural areas. It would authorize $300 million each year for FY2027 through FY2031. Each year $100 million of that would come from the Highway Trust Fund. At least 80% of funds must go to the specifically eligible rural ferry services.

Permanent ferry modernization grants

If enacted, the bill would make the electric or low-emission ferry pilot a permanent ferry fleet modernization and shipyard job creation grant program. It would authorize $140 million per year for FY2027 through FY2031. Transit recipients and covered entities could apply for grants to modernize ferries. The bill would also change some directives to read "to the extent practicable."

Set annual funding for ferry construction

If enacted, the bill would set specific annual federal funding for ferry boats and terminal construction for FY2027 through FY2031. The amounts would be $160 million for FY2027, $162 million for FY2028, $164 million for FY2029, $166 million for FY2030, and $168 million for FY2031. Those amounts would replace the prior schedule and be available in those years.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Randall, Emily [D-WA-6]

WA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]

    RI • D

    Sponsored 9/28/2026

  • Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

  • Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

  • Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

  • Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]

    WA • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2026

  • Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2026

  • Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2026

  • Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]

    WA • D

    Sponsored 5/11/2026

  • Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]

    WA • D

    Sponsored 5/11/2026

  • Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

  • Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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