Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, along with Congresswoman Emily Randall, Congressman Nick Begich, and Congressman John Garamendi, introduced the Federal Enhancement and Revitalization of Reliable Infrastructure for Essential Seaways (FERRIES) Act last week. The bill aims to increase federal investments in ferry systems by providing long-term and predictable funding for operators that connect communities across the United States.
The proposed legislation is significant because it seeks to address the needs of both urban and rural communities that rely on ferries as essential transportation links. By increasing funding through multiple mechanisms—including the Highway Trust Fund, advanced appropriations, and authorized appropriations—the act intends to ensure reliable resources for infrastructure upgrades and system improvements.
The FERRIES Act would boost funding for several key programs. It proposes up to $550 million annually for the Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant Program over five years, including $100 million from the Highway Trust Fund each year. The Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program would receive $160 million annually with incremental increases, plus an additional $100 million per year through advanced appropriations. The act also expands support for rural ferry services and establishes a grant program focused on fleet modernization and shipyard job creation.
“I join my Ferry Caucus colleagues in introducing the Federal Enhancement and Revitalization of Reliable Infrastructure for Essential Seaways (FERRIES) Act. As the Representative of a district that depends on maritime transportation, including the Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry for daily commuting and travel, I know how essential these ferries are to our community,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “This legislation increases federal investment in ferry systems nationwide to ensure long-term, reliable funding for infrastructure upgrades and system improvements.” Congresswoman Randall said, “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. We need to significantly boost investments in ferry services across the country, and the bipartisan FERRIES Act is an important step in that direction.” Congressman Begich added: “In Alaska, many communities are not accessible by a road system and depend on a marine highway. That reality makes ferries a critical part of our transportation system and essential infrastructure… The bipartisan FERRIES Act delivers long-term, predictable funding so operators can modernize fleets and ensure safe, dependable service for the communities that rely on our marine highway transportation routes.” Congressman Garamendi said: “With increasing congestion on our bridges and roads… people want an affordable, easy, and stress-free way to get into the city… I am thrilled to partner with Ferry Caucus Co-Chairs Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Nick Begich (R-AK-At-Large), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) to introduce the FERRIES Act…”
The Public Ferry Coalition voiced its support: “Ferries are more than just a mode of transit—they are lifelines that connect communities… At a time when federal investment is critical to modernizing infrastructure… we thank the Public Ferry Caucus and Representatives Randall, Begich, Garamendi, and Malliotakis for prioritizing ferry funding in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization process.”
These measures come ahead of the expiration of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on September 30, 2026; lawmakers hope provisions from this bill will be included in future surface transportation reauthorization efforts.
Nicole Malliotakis has served as U.S. Representative for New York’s 11th District since 2021 after replacing Max Rose according to official records. She previously served in the New York State Assembly from 2011 until her election to Congress as reported by her office. Born in New York City in 1980 at age 42 she currently resides in Staten Island according to biographical information. Malliotakis holds degrees from Seton Hall University (BA) as well as Wagner College.
