Opportunity Information: Apply for FTA 2015 005 TPM
Apply for FTA 2015 005 TPM
- The DOT/Federal Transit Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Passenger Ferry Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.507 Federal TransitFormula Grants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 3, 2015 and posted on Aug 3, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 2, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $20,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Eligible proposers and eventual grant applicants under this initiative must be designated recipients or eligible direct recipients of Section 5307 funds which include public entities engaged in providing a public transportation passenger ferry service. If the recipient is eligible to receive 5307 funds, but does not currently have an active grant with FTA, upon selection, the recipient will be required to work with the FTA regional office to establish its organization as an active grantee. This process may require additional documentation to support technical, financial, and legal capacity. Ferry systems that accommodate cars must also accommodate walk on passengers in order to be eligible for funding.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Passenger Ferry Grant Program was a discretionary funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support public transportation passenger ferry service in urbanized areas, using authority under 49 U.S.C. 5307 (often called "Section 5307"). The program was designed specifically as a capital-only funding initiative, meaning it focused on physical assets and infrastructure needed to provide ferry transit service rather than day-to-day operations.
A central feature of this opportunity is its strict limitation to capital projects. Eligible uses included the purchase of new ferry vessels, replacement of aging vessels, and rehabilitation of existing ferries to extend useful life or improve performance and safety. The program also covered terminal-related investments, which can include construction, replacement, or rehabilitation of ferry terminals, docks, slips, boarding facilities, and associated equipment necessary to support passenger ferry operations. While the notice emphasizes that eligible capital work is not limited to these examples, it clearly excludes several common transit expenses: applicants could not use funds for operating costs (such as crew wages, fuel, or routine service delivery), planning activities, or preventive maintenance.
Eligibility was tied directly to Section 5307 status. Applicants needed to be designated recipients or eligible direct recipients of Section 5307 formula funds, and they had to be public entities involved in providing a public transportation passenger ferry service. In practical terms, this means the opportunity was not open to just any organization with an interest in ferries; it was aimed at entities that already sit within FTA's urbanized-area transit funding framework and have a public transportation role. The notice also clarified that if an otherwise eligible recipient did not already have an active FTA grant, selection would trigger an onboarding process with the relevant FTA regional office. That process could require additional documentation demonstrating the organization's technical capability, financial systems, and legal authority to carry out and manage a federal grant.
The opportunity also included an important service requirement for systems that carry vehicles. Ferry systems that accommodate cars were only eligible if they also accommodate walk-on passengers, reinforcing that the program is meant to support passenger public transportation rather than vehicle-only marine transport. This requirement helps align funded services with transit-oriented goals and ensures that projects benefit riders who access the ferry as pedestrians, including those connecting to other transit modes.
From a funding and administrative standpoint, the opportunity was posted on August 3, 2015, with an application deadline of October 2, 2015, and it was later archived on November 1, 2015. The estimated total funding available was $20,000,000, and the award ceiling was also listed as $20,000,000, with no stated minimum award amount (award floor of $0). FTA anticipated making up to 50 awards, suggesting the program could support a mix of smaller equipment purchases and larger vessel or terminal investments, depending on applicant needs and project readiness. Cost sharing or matching was required, meaning recipients needed to provide a local share consistent with federal transit grant requirements rather than relying on federal dollars alone.
The funding opportunity number was FTA 2015 005 TPM, and it was associated with CFDA number 20.507 (Federal Transit Formula Grants). For applicants needing help accessing the full announcement, the listed point of contact was Vanessa Williams in FTA's Office of Program Management at (202) 366-4818.
Passenger Ferry Grant Program (FTA) - FAQs
What is the Passenger Ferry Grant Program?
The Passenger Ferry Grant Program was a discretionary funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support public transportation passenger ferry service in urbanized areas. It used authority under 49 U.S.C. 5307, commonly referred to as "Section 5307."
Is this program a formula grant or a discretionary opportunity?
It was described as a discretionary funding opportunity, even though it was associated with Section 5307 (Federal Transit Formula Grants) authority.
What types of projects were eligible for funding?
The opportunity was strictly limited to capital projects for passenger ferry service. Examples of eligible capital uses included:
- Purchase of new ferry vessels
- Replacement of aging ferry vessels
- Rehabilitation of existing ferry vessels (to extend useful life or improve performance and safety)
- Terminal-related investments such as construction, replacement, or rehabilitation of terminals, docks, slips, boarding facilities, and related equipment needed to support passenger ferry operations
The notice indicated eligible capital work was not limited only to the examples listed, as long as the work remained capital in nature and supported passenger ferry transit service.
Are operating expenses allowed under this grant?
No. The program was capital-only and specifically excluded operating costs such as crew wages, fuel, or routine service delivery.
Are planning activities eligible?
No. Planning activities were explicitly excluded.
Is preventive maintenance eligible?
No. Preventive maintenance was explicitly excluded.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was tied to Section 5307 status. Applicants had to be designated recipients or eligible direct recipients of Section 5307 formula funds, and they had to be public entities involved in providing a public transportation passenger ferry service.
Can any organization apply if it operates or wants to start a ferry service?
No. The opportunity was not open to any organization simply interested in ferries. It was aimed at public entities that already fall within FTA's Section 5307 urbanized-area transit funding framework and have a public transportation role providing passenger ferry service.
What if an eligible applicant does not already have an active FTA grant?
The notice stated that if an otherwise eligible recipient did not already have an active FTA grant, selection would trigger an onboarding process with the appropriate FTA regional office. That onboarding could require additional documentation to demonstrate technical capability, financial systems, and legal authority to carry out and manage a federal grant.
Are vehicle-carrying ferries eligible?
They can be, but only if they also accommodate walk-on passengers. The notice clarified that ferry systems that accommodate cars were only eligible if they also accommodate walk-on passengers.
Does the program support vehicle-only marine transport?
No. By requiring walk-on passenger accommodation for car-carrying systems, the program emphasized support for passenger public transportation rather than vehicle-only marine transport.
What is meant by "capital-only" for this opportunity?
"Capital-only" means the funding was intended for physical assets and infrastructure needed to provide passenger ferry transit service (for example, vessels and terminals), rather than day-to-day operational expenses or routine service delivery.
How much funding was available?
The estimated total funding available was $20,000,000.
What was the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling was listed as $20,000,000.
Was there a minimum award amount?
No minimum award amount was stated. The award floor was listed as $0.
How many awards were expected?
FTA anticipated making up to 50 awards.
Was a local match required?
Yes. Cost sharing or matching was required, meaning recipients needed to provide a local share consistent with federal transit grant requirements rather than relying entirely on federal funds.
When was the opportunity posted and when was it due?
It was posted on August 3, 2015, and the application deadline was October 2, 2015.
Is the opportunity still open?
No. The opportunity was later archived on November 1, 2015.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number was FTA 2015 005 TPM.
What CFDA number was associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity was associated with CFDA 20.507 (Federal Transit Formula Grants).
What geographic or service context did this program focus on?
It focused on public transportation passenger ferry service in urbanized areas under the Section 5307 framework.
Who was the point of contact for assistance?
The listed point of contact was Vanessa Williams in FTA's Office of Program Management, reachable at (202) 366-4818.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Transportation
Next opportunity: THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS Population Dynamics of Threatened Piping Plovers on the Niobrara River, Nebraska THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
Previous opportunity: eDNA at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for FTA 2015 005 TPM
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FTA 2015 005 TPM) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Amtrak Grant for Moynihan Station Phase II Back of House Design Apply for FR AMT 95 001 Funding Number: FR AMT 95 001 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $339,000 |
| Center For Environmental Excellence (CEE) Apply for DTFH6115RA00005 Funding Number: DTFH6115RA00005 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Odometer Fraud Assistance Apply for DTNH2215R00093 Funding Number: DTNH2215R00093 Agency: DOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| DOT PHMSA 2016 One Call Grant Apply for DOT PH PHP 16 OC Funding Number: DOT PH PHP 16 OC Agency: Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| FY15 Supplemental to Moynihan Station Redevelopment Project Apply for FR RLD 15 001 Funding Number: FR RLD 15 001 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $15,650,000 |
| FY15 RLD Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program The Downeaster Brunswick Layover Facility Apply for FR RLD 15 002 Funding Number: FR RLD 15 002 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $8,814,922 |
| FY15 Railroad Safety Grants for the Safe Transportation of Energy Products by Rail Program Apply for FR RLD 15 003 Funding Number: FR RLD 15 003 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areras Apply for VA HRTG 2015 Funding Number: VA HRTG 2015 Agency: Chief Business Office Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2008 Dwight David Eisenhower Graduate Fellowship Program Apply for FHWA 15X0438000 Funding Number: FHWA 15X0438000 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $104,000 |
| Solicitation of Applications for Funding of Congestion Reduction Demonstration Initiatives Apply for D2008 OST FHWA FTA 001 Funding Number: D2008 OST FHWA FTA 001 Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pilot Program To Demonstrate The Benefits Of Vehicle Assist And Automation (VAA) Applications For Full Size Public Transit Buses Apply for D2008 VAA TRI 001 Funding Number: D2008 VAA TRI 001 Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,900,000 |
| Notice of Funding Availability Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program. Apply for D2008 ATPL 650 001 Funding Number: D2008 ATPL 650 001 Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $5,945,000 |
| Cooperative agreements to research, develop and disperse materials that align with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Apply for D2008 ADA TCR 001 Funding Number: D2008 ADA TCR 001 Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Capital Assistance to States Intercity Passenger Rail Service Apply for 6048 Funding Number: 6048 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $30,000,000 |
| Collision Safety Improvement for Light Rail Vehicles Operating in Shared Right of Way Street Environments Apply for D2008 CEM LRV TRI Funding Number: D2008 CEM LRV TRI Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY 2008 National Scenic Byways Program Discretionary Grants Apply for FHWA 2008 BYWAYS Funding Number: FHWA 2008 BYWAYS Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Broad Agency Announcement for Innovative Small Research Projects to Advance Public Participation Related to Public Transportation Planning Apply for 2008 DOT FTA PTPP Funding Number: 2008 DOT FTA PTPP Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY 2008 Small Community Air Service Development Program Grants Apply for DOT GRANTS 042008 001 Funding Number: DOT GRANTS 042008 001 Agency: Office of Aviation Analysis Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fuel Tax Evasion Intergovernmental Enforcement Efforts Apply for FHWA FTE 2008 01 Funding Number: FHWA FTE 2008 01 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| PHMSA HMEP States Territories Apply for DOT PH HMEP 08 001 Funding Number: DOT PH HMEP 08 001 Agency: Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,050,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "FTA 2015 005 TPM", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.