Pelosi Announces $16 Million Federal Infrastructure Grants for San Francisco Ferries

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that San Francisco is set to receive more than $16 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This federal funding will help modernize the Bay Area's ferry system and bring the San Francisco Bay Ferry one step closer to realizing a zero-emission fleet.

"Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, our nation's infrastructure is stronger than ever - and San Francisco continues to make progress in our mission to be a transit-first city," Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. "The federal Department of Transportation grants announced for San Francisco will improve the quality of life for Bay Area working families by modernizing our ferry system. This upgrade will create a cleaner, greener city where reliable public transit reduces congestion and helps build equity and opportunity for all members of our community."

"San Francisco Bay Ferry's Rapid Electric Emission-free Ferry (REEF) Program is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a clean, congestion-reducing transit connection for some of San Francisco's fastest growing waterfront neighborhoods," said Seamus Murphy, San Francisco Bay Ferry Executive Director. "Now, thanks to this federal investment, even more passengers will be able to ride the nation's first network of zero-emission ferries."

"We are extremely grateful for the funding support to modernize our fleet in order to continue providing first-class ferry service to our users across the San Francisco Bay," Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District said. "The District is looking forward to introducing a new, high-speed low-emission, 500-passenger ferry that will enhance service and reliability while taking cars off the U.S. Highway 101 Corridor."

The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Agency will receive $11.5 million to build two new electric ferry vessels to support the agency's emission free ferry service between downtown San Francisco, Treasure Island and Mission Bay. The project will reduce congestion and provide fast, clean and reliable ferry service to emerging neighborhoods and developing employment centers. The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District will receive $4.9 million to buy a new low-emission ferry that will reduce emissions, enhance service reliability for passengers and relieve congestion on Bay Area roads.

Today's announcement was made following letters of support for the projects from Speaker Emerita Pelosi to the Federal Transit Administration. This funding was awarded to the Bay Area from the Federal Transit Administration's Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Grant Program in a competitive national selection process