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119-hr-8200119th CongressWALLET

Interstate Ferry Fairness Act

Sponsored By: Representative LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]

In Committee

Summary

Expands federal ferry funding to include privately owned ferries and terminals on certain interstate routes. It would let the federal government help build or buy private ferries and terminals, broaden which routes qualify, and set rules on ownership and fares.

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  • Private owners and operators: Private or majority-private ferries that run between adjoining states could become eligible for federal construction or acquisition funds. Those ferries may charge fares that cover operating costs, maintenance, debt service, negotiated management fees, and a reasonable rate of return set by the Secretary.
  • State and local transportation agencies: Route eligibility is widened to include public roads not designated as Interstate and routes between adjoining states that connect public roads. The Surface Transportation Block Grant Program would explicitly allow funding for ferries and terminal facilities under this amended provision.
  • Timing: Eligibility for privately owned or majority privately owned ferries and terminals under section 147 would begin one year after enactment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More federal funds for ferries

If enacted, the bill would let more ferries and terminals apply for federal ferry program money. Publicly owned facilities would still qualify. Ferries or terminals could be majority publicly owned if the Secretary of Transportation finds they provide substantial public benefits. Ferries that run between two adjoining States would be eligible even if privately owned or majority privately owned, but only if the Secretary finds substantial public benefits or that the ferry meets key surface-transportation needs. The rule allowing privately owned or majority privately owned facilities would start one year after enactment. The bill would also allow federal participation to build or buy private ferries on qualifying interstate-adjoining routes and would make eligible projects available for Surface Transportation Block Grant funding.

New fare limits for interstate ferries

If enacted, the bill would limit fares a privately owned or majority privately owned ferry would charge when it operates between two adjoining States. Fares would be no greater than amounts needed to cover actual and necessary operating costs, maintenance, repair, debt service, and negotiated management fees, plus a reasonable rate of return the Secretary would set. All revenues would have to be applied to those costs, and the ferry could retain only the reasonable rate of return the Secretary allows. This limit would take effect upon enactment and would apply only to ferries that meet the bill's ownership and route rules.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]

NY • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 4/6/2026

  • Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 6/15/2026

  • Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2]

    MI • R

    Sponsored 6/24/2026

  • Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 6/24/2026

  • Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 6/24/2026

  • Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 6/30/2026

  • Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1]

    KY • R

    Sponsored 6/30/2026

  • Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]

    IL • R

    Sponsored 7/9/2026

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 8/31/2026

  • Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 9/2/2026

  • Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 9/16/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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