Interstate Ferry Fairness Act

This bill would change federal highway law so that privately owned or majority privately owned ferries that run between two neighboring states, and the terminals that serve them, could receive federal Ferry Boat Program funds. To qualify, the Secretary of Transportation would have to find that the ferry or terminal provides substantial public benefits or meets the main needs of the surface transportation system. Federal money could be used to build or buy such ferries and terminals for private ownership, and projects could cover passenger-only ferries as well as car ferries. These private interstate ferries could charge fares to cover their costs plus a rate of return the Secretary finds reasonable. The changes for private ferries would take effect one year after the bill becomes law.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Nick LaLota Republican sponsor
• 11 cosponsors