This bill changes a section of federal transportation law to allow privately owned and majority-privately owned ferries and ferry terminal facilities to be eligible to take part in the Ferry Boat Program in certain cases. It narrows eligible routes to those that are classified as a public road (but not on the Interstate System or a public transit ferry) or routes between two adjoining States that connect public roads. Projects can cover ferries that carry cars and passengers or passengers only.
Eligibility rules in the bill say ferries or terminals may be eligible if they are publicly owned or operated; majority publicly owned if the Secretary finds substantial public benefits; or privately or majority privately owned if the ferry operates between two adjoining States and the Secretary finds substantial public benefits or that the project meets certain surface transportation needs. The bill allows Federal participation to include construction or purchase of a ferry that operates between two adjoining States or a ferry terminal that supports such a ferry, even if the vessel or facility will be privately owned.
The bill also adds a rule about fares: a privately owned or majority privately owned ferry operating between two adjoining States may charge a fare up to the amount needed to cover actual and necessary operating costs, maintenance, repair, debt service, negotiated management fees, plus an amount the Secretary determines is a reasonable rate of return. Revenues must be applied to those costs, except the ferry may keep the reasonable rate of return. The bill makes conforming changes to two other sections that reference eligible ferries or entities. The eligibility change for privately or majority-privately owned ferries or terminals becomes effective one year after enactment.
No publicly available information on cost estimates, changes in federal spending, or authorized dollar amounts appears in the bill text or metadata. The bill does say Federal participation may include construction or purchase for private ownership, but it does not list funding levels. The eligibility change for private owners would take effect one year after enactment.
The bill was introduced by Representatives Nick LaLota, Joe Courtney, Thomas Suozzi, John Moolenaar, John Larson, Rosa DeLauro, James Himes, James Comer, Mike Bost, and Michael Lawler. No publicly available information in the bill text or metadata describes proponents' arguments or detailed justifications.
No publicly available information in the bill text or metadata describes opponents' views or stated objections.