FY 2026 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Passenger Ferry Grant Program

The Passenger Ferry Grant Program is administered by the Federal Transit Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency is responsible for supporting public transportation systems across the United States, including urban transit infrastructure and services. This competitive grant program is one of several initiatives designed to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and improve environmental outcomes through investments in ferry transportation systems. The program is authorized under federal statute and aligns with broader federal priorities to modernize infrastructure and expand sustainable transportation options in urbanized areas. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support capital projects that improve and expand passenger ferry services in urbanized areas. Eligible uses of funds include the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of ferry vessels, terminals, and related infrastructure. These investments are intended to strengthen ferry systems as viable components of public transit networks, offering alternatives to roadway congestion while supporting economic activity and regional connectivity. The funding is strictly limited to capital expenses and must align with eligible activities defined under 49 U.S.C. 5307(h). The program provides approximately 105 million dollars in total funding for fiscal year 2026, with awards distributed competitively among applicants. While the number of awards is expected to be around ten, specific award sizes are not predefined, indicating flexibility based on project scope and merit. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is mandated, meaning applicants must provide a portion of project funding from non-federal sources. The exact match ratio is not specified in the provided materials but is required for eligibility. Eligible applicants include state governments, city or township governments, county governments, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Additionally, any entity that qualifies as a recipient under 49 U.S.C. 5307 funding and operates a public ferry system in an urbanized area may apply. This includes public transit agencies and similar entities responsible for ferry operations. The eligibility criteria emphasize operational responsibility and geographic relevance to urbanized ferry systems. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov platform using the designated funding opportunity number. Paper submissions, including mail or fax, are not accepted. Applicants are expected to follow all submission requirements outlined in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity, including completing required forms and providing detailed project descriptions, budgets, and supporting documentation. Technical assistance is available through the Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Program Management for applicants encountering issues with accessing or submitting materials. The application deadline is May 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The opportunity was posted on April 6, 2026, and remains open for a limited submission window. There is no indication that this opportunity is recurring on a fixed schedule, although similar programs have been offered in prior fiscal years. Applicants should plan for a competitive evaluation process, with selections based on statutory criteria and program priorities. Contact for program-related inquiries is provided through the FTA Office of Program Management, including a named contact and general communication channels.