Interstate Ferry Fairness Act
Sponsored By: Representative LaLota
Introduced
Summary
Expands federal eligibility to privately owned ferries operating between adjoining States. The bill would let privately owned and majority-privately owned ferries and ferry terminals compete for Federal Ferry Boat Program funds when the Secretary finds they provide substantial public benefits or meet key surface transportation needs.
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- Private ferry owners and operators would be able to receive Federal funds to build or buy ferries and terminals for routes between adjoining States. They could charge fares that cover operation, maintenance, repair, debt service, negotiated management fees, plus a reasonable rate of return set by the Secretary.
- State and local public ferry systems keep eligibility, and majority publicly owned ferries could qualify if they provide substantial public benefits. The law would also update related funding rules so ferries and terminals are explicitly eligible under section 129(c) and section 133.
- Riders and communities could see more privately run ferry options including vessels that carry cars and passengers or passengers only. Changes to eligibility under section 147 would take effect one year after enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Federal help for private ferry owners
This bill would broaden which owners can get federal participation to build or buy ferry boats and terminals. Publicly owned facilities would still qualify. The Secretary could let majority-public or some private owners qualify if the facility provides substantial public benefits or meets key surface-transportation needs. The Federal government could build or purchase a ferry or terminal for private ownership when the ferry runs between two adjoining States. The eligibility change for section 147 would take effect one year after enactment.
More ferry routes eligible for grants
This bill would expand which ferry routes and projects can get federal grants under the Ferry Boat Program. Routes that count as a State public road but are not on the Interstate System could qualify. Routes between two adjoining States that connect one or more public roads could also qualify. Projects for ferries that carry cars and passengers or only passengers would be eligible. This change would take effect on enactment.
Private interstate ferries can raise fares
This bill would let privately owned or majority-privately owned ferries that operate between two adjoining States set fares to cover full costs plus a reasonable return set by the Secretary. Allowed costs include operation, maintenance, repair, debt service, and negotiated management fees. All revenue must go to those costs, except the operator may keep the Secretary-approved reasonable rate of return. This rule would take effect one year after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
LaLota
NY • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]
CT • D
Sponsored 4/6/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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