Ferryboat and ferryboat terminal construction grants originated under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, enacted by the U.S. Congress. Additional funds were awarded by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to the Ferryboat Discretionary Program in 2009 as part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.
Programs in American states that receive funding through the Ferryboat Discretionary Program can receive up to 80 percent funding through federal grants. U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands and Guam, can receive 100 percent funding, while programs receiving funding through the Recovery Act can also receive 100 percent funding.
Ferryboat projects receiving grants must classify their ferry routes as state public highways to receive funding. Ferryboat grants are awarded only where a bridge, tunnel or combination of the two cannot reasonably be constructed, according to the FHA.
