Randall Introduces Bipartisan FERRIES Act to Transform Federal Investments for WA State Ferries

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06), alongside Ferry Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Nick Begich (R, AK-At-Large), John Garamendi (D, CA-03), and Nicole Malliotakis (R, NY-11), introduced the Federal Enhancement and Revitalization of Reliable Infrastructure for Essential Seaways (FERRIES) Act. The bill would significantly increase federal investments in ferry systems, providing long-term, predictable funding for ferry operators that connect communities across the country.

"As a ferry commuter myself, I know that our ferry system is in desperate need of improvements. When boats are taken off service routes, this creates significant challenges for the 20 million+ annual ferry commuters in Washington state," said Congresswoman Randall. "We need to significantly boost investments in ferry services across the country and the bipartisan FERRIES Act is an important step in that direction."

"The Public Ferry Coalition applauds the bipartisan introduction of the FERRIES Act. Ferries are more than just a mode of transit-they are lifelines that connect communities, reduce highway congestion, support local economies, and strengthen regional resilience," said the Public Ferry Coalition. "At a time when federal investment is critical to modernizing infrastructure, expanding service, and building more sustainable vessels, we thank the Public Ferry Caucus and Representatives Randall, Begich, Garamendi, and Malliotakis for prioritizing ferry funding in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization process."

The bipartisan FERRIES Act would increase funding for ferry programs through three different mechanisms: Highway Trust Fund (HTF), advanced appropriations, and authorized appropriations. Funding from authorized appropriations are subject to levels set in annual appropriations bills, while money from advanced appropriations and the Highway Trust Fund would be available at the start of each fiscal year if this bill were enacted. Increasing and diversifying these funding streams will ensure that our ferry systems will have the resources they need to continue serving communities.

The bipartisan FERRIES Act would:

• Increase funding for the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Passenger Ferry Grant Program to up to $550 million annually. Over the next five years, the bill would authorize $300 million, including $100 million directly from the HTF, and would provide $200 million in advanced appropriations each year.
• Boost funding for the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Ferry Boat Program through the HTF to $160 million annually with a $2 million annual increase for each subsequent year, in addition to $100 million per year through advanced appropriations.
• Expand funding for the FTA Rural Ferry Grant Program to up to $550 million per year, with $300 million authorized (including $100 million directly from the HTF) and $250 million in advanced appropriations.
• Establish the Ferry Fleet Modernization and Shipyard Job Creation Grant Program to increase funding available for operators who want to electrify and modernize their fleets by switching to alternative fuels, thereby investing in shipyards and their workforces across the country who are building a new generation of vessels.
  • The bill provides $100 million in advanced appropriations and $140 million in authorized funding annually.
• The FERRIES Act would clarify that ferry operators serving both urban and rural communities are eligible for both the FTA Passenger Ferry Grant program and the FTA Ferry Service for Rural Communities program, and create a set-aside for 20 percent of the Rural Ferry Grant Program funds to be available to routes serving any two rural areas, regardless of the distance between those two areas.
  • These changes would open up additional funding sources for ferry operators like Washington State Ferries, who have previously had challenges accessing funding from both of these programs.

Together, these transformative investments and reforms would strengthen ferry systems nationwide, improve reliability and safety, and ensure both urban and rural communities receive equitable access to federal transportation resources.

This legislation is extremely timely as ferry routes that serve communities across Washington's 6th district face significant service disruptions and funding gaps. The three ferry routes connecting Seattle to Kitsap County - serving Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, and Southworth have experienced recent service disruptions. Ongoing mechanical issues have forced some ferries out of service, leaving routes with only a single vessel in operation and resulting in longer wait times, reduced reliability, and significant disruptions for the 20 million annual ferry riders in Washington state.

The Co-Chairs introduced this legislation ahead of the transformative Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's expiration on September 30, 2026. Congress will need to reauthorize and extend the programs included in the law, and the Co-Chairs are calling on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to include the policies and funds included in the FERRIES Act in the next five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill.

In January 2026, Ferry Caucus Co-Chairs Randall, Begich, Garamendi, and Malliotakis, held the first inaugural bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus roundtable. The bipartisan caucus was created to advocate for the unique needs of communities where ferry transportation is essential. The Congressional Ferry Caucus aims to promote the benefits of and advocate for the long-term federal investment in public ferry systems, including marine, shoreside, and workforce needs.

You can follow along with all Ferry Caucus updates on the newly launched Ferry Caucus Website, as well as the new, official Ferry Caucus Instagram. The full bill text of the FERRIES Act is available HERE.