H.R. 7774 — FERRIES Act

This section authorizes funding through FY2031 for passenger ferry programs, codifies two Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) programs in title 49, U.S. Code, and makes related eligibility and administrative changes. (1) For the ferry boat and ferry terminal facilities program under 23 U.S.C. 147 (which provides formula-based grants to states for ferry construction and maintenance facilities at an 80% federal share, allocated by passengers carried, vehicles carried, and route nautical miles), $160 million for FY2027, increasing annually to $168 million for FY2031. (2) For urban passenger ferry grants under 49 U.S.C. 5307(h) (i.e., a component of Urbanized Area Formula Grants), $200 million annually for FY2027 through 2031 (in addition to funds under 49 U.S.C. 5338) and increases apportionments under 49 U.S.C. 5336(h)(1) to $100 million (from $30 million). (3) For the ferry fleet modernization and shipyard job creation grant program (codified at new 49 U.S.C. 5313, formerly an IIJA pilot program for electric or low-emitting ferries), $140 million annually for FY2027 through 2031, expands eligibility to recipients or designated recipients under 49 U.S.C. 5307 or 5311 (i.e., urban and rural transit providers), and revises grant purposes and selection criteria (e.g., to the extent practicable). (4) For the ferry service for rural communities program (codified at new 49 U.S.C. 5308, formerly an IIJA competitive grant program), $300 million annually for FY2027 through 2031 (of which $100 million from the Highway Trust Fund, other than the Mass Transit Account), revises eligibility to include services connecting rural areas not less than 100 miles apart or not less than two rural areas (without regard to distance between them), requires at least 80% of funds for services to areas not served by other transportation, and limits eligibility for certain formula funds.