Interstate Ferry Fairness Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8200
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:05:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Interstate Ferry Fairness Act (H.R. 8200)
Purpose
The bill aims to expand eligibility for federal funding under the Ferry Boat Program (part of the U.S. highway funding system in title 23 of the U.S. Code) to include privately owned or majority-privately owned ferries and ferry terminal facilities, particularly those operating between adjoining states, to promote fairness and support essential surface transportation.
Key Provisions
- Eligibility Expansion (Section 129(c)):
- Amends rules for federal funding of ferry construction to allow privately or majority-privately owned ferries/terminals if the Secretary of Transportation determines they provide substantial public benefits or meet the foremost needs of the national surface transportation system (e.g., connecting public roads or serving interstate routes).
- Permits federal funds for building or buying ferries/terminals for private ownership specifically on routes between two adjoining states.
- Allows fares on such private interstate ferries to cover operation, maintenance, repair, debt, management fees, plus a reasonable rate of return (as determined by the Secretary); excess revenues must go to costs, but the return can be retained.
- Conforming Changes:
- Updates the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (section 133) and ferry construction grants (section 147) to align with the new eligibility rules, replacing "public entities" with "entities."
- Effective Date: Changes apply to private/majority-private ferries under section 147 starting one year after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Broadens Ownership Eligibility: Previously limited to publicly owned/operated or majority-publicly owned ferries with public benefits; now explicitly includes privately owned options for interstate routes, subject to Secretary approval.
- Federal Funding for Private Assets: Introduces allowance for federal dollars to fund construction/purchase of privately owned interstate ferries/terminals, which was not previously permitted.
- Fare Flexibility: Replaces stricter toll limits for private ferries with a cost-recovery model plus reasonable profit for interstate operations.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary to evaluate "public benefits" and "foremost needs"; expands federal spending on ferry infrastructure beyond public operators.
- Citizens: Could improve ferry services (e.g., more reliable interstate routes), lowering costs or increasing availability for commuters, tourists, and freight in ferry-dependent areas.
- No Direct International Relations Impact: Focuses on domestic interstate ferries.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Private Ferry Operators: Gain access to federal funds and fare-setting flexibility for interstate services.
- State and Local Governments: Benefit from improved transportation links; may partner with private entities.
- Federal Agencies (DOT/FHWA): Administer expanded program with new approval criteria.
- Public Users (Passengers/Cargo): Potential for better service if private ferries expand with federal support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on Secretary discretion for eligibility (e.g., "substantial public benefits"), which could lead to challenges if approvals seem arbitrary; aligns with existing highway funding statutes without altering core federalism balances.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; uses spending power to incentivize transportation infrastructure.
- Political: Promotes public-private partnerships in infrastructure, potentially reducing reliance on public funding while ensuring public benefits—may appeal to efficiency-focused policymakers but raise concerns over federal subsidies to private entities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2026-04-06: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-04-06: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Interstate Ferry Fairness Act — issued 2026-04-06 — PDF (6 pages)