Bill > HR7774

This bill, known as the Federal Enhancement and Revitalization of Reliable Infrastructure for Essential Seaways Act or FERRIES Act, aims to strengthen and codify federal grant programs that support passenger ferry services. It increases funding for the construction of ferry boats and terminal facilities, authorizing specific amounts for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The bill also enhances the Urban Passenger Ferry Grant Program by authorizing significant appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and increasing the amount available for apportionments. Furthermore, it renames and restructures the Ferry Fleet Modernization and Shipyard Job Creation Grant Program, expanding eligibility and authorizing substantial funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Finally, the bill modifies the Rural Ferry Grant Program to ensure a greater proportion of funds go to essential ferry services in rural areas and authorizes increased funding for this program over the same five-year period, with a portion to be derived from the Highway Trust Fund. These changes are intended to improve and expand ferry services across the nation.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7774/all-info