KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Louisiana awarded nearly $8.5M in federal ferry funding
- Four agencies to benefit: RTA, DOTD, Plaquemines Parish, St. Mary Parish
- Funds can be used for vessels, terminals, and operations
- Program aims to improve access, ridership, and reduce road congestion
Louisiana is set to receive nearly $8.5 million in federal funding to upgrade ferry boats and terminals, part of a $175 million nationwide allocation announced August 11 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
The funding, distributed through the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program, will benefit 35 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. The program aims to improve ferry service in communities that rely on water transportation for commuting, tourism and commerce.
Nearly $8.5 million is being pledge to Louisiana for four publicly owned terminal and vessels: New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, approximately $1.4 million; Louisiana Department of Transportation, $3.7 million; Plaquemines Parish Ferry Department, $3.2 million and St. Mary Parish Council, $50,000.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the funding can be used to build or operate ferry boats, terminals and maintenance facilities. Eligible projects include those serving public routes where a bridge or tunnel is not feasible.
The Ferry Boat Program helps fill transportation gaps by funding projects in areas with limited access and high passenger demand, federal officials said. Improvements made possible by the program can boost ridership and ease traffic congestion on nearby roads.
Duffy said the initiative is part of a broader effort to invest in the nation’s infrastructure. “We make life easier when we make the transportation of people and products smoother,” he said.
The federal-aid formula funds are distributed to ferry operators through state transportation departments for vessel acquisition, facility upgrades, operational support and, in some cases, new route development.
A full breakdown of the funding allocations is available here.
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