Sponsors
The bill extends federal ferry program eligibility to territories (notably the CNMI) to boost connectivity for rural and remote communities and simplify grant rules, but it increases federal costs and could spread limited program funds thinner or fund higher-cost services in very remote areas.
CNMI residents gain eligibility for federal ferry construction and operating funds, enabling new or restored regular ferry service to improve transportation access.
Rural and remote communities served by qualifying ferries gain access to federal support for terminals and vessels, improving connectivity and access to goods, services, and jobs.
Territorial and local governments (including D.C.) receive clearer, standardized eligibility because 'State' is defined to include territories, simplifying grant administration and reducing ambiguity.
Local governments and existing U.S. ferry projects may face increased competition for a limited pool of federal funds as territories become eligible, potentially reducing per-project funding.
Residents of very remote territories and taxpayers may see higher per-user subsidies for ferry projects in very remote areas, raising questions about cost-effectiveness of some grants.
U.S. taxpayers may face increased federal spending to fund ferry establishment and ongoing operations in newly eligible territories.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Expands the federal ferry program to explicitly include the CNMI, defines eligible services and rural areas, and authorizes funds for establishment and operation.
Introduced June 17, 2025 by Kimberlyn King-Hinds · Last progress June 17, 2025
Expands the federal ferry boat and terminal program to explicitly cover ferry services in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). It updates who is an eligible entity, adopts a rural-area definition that expressly treats the CNMI as a rural area, and directs program funds to States and the CNMI to help establish and operate eligible ferry services.