News Summary
Louisiana is set to receive nearly $8.5 million in federal funding to enhance its ferry services, as announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The funding is part of a nationwide $175 million initiative aimed at improving ferry services in 35 states and various territories. Key allocations include $3.7 million for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and $3.2 million for the Plaquemines Parish Ferry Department. This initiative is expected to improve regional transportation networks and boost local economies.
Louisiana is poised to receive nearly $8.5 million in federal funding dedicated to enhancing its ferry services. This financial support is part of a broader $175 million nationwide funding initiative disclosed on August 11, 2025, by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
The funding is being distributed through the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program, which aims to improve ferry services in communities that rely heavily on water transportation. Notably, this funding will benefit various regions across the country, reaching 35 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
Ferry services are a vital mode of transportation in several areas, particularly where traditional bridges or tunnels are not practical solutions. With this funding, states will have the opportunity to enhance their ferry fleets, upgrade terminals, and expand maintenance facilities, which are essential for improving service efficiency and reliability.
Allocation Breakdown for Louisiana
The substantial federal aid earmarked for Louisiana will be allocated as follows:
- New Orleans Regional Transit Authority: approximately $1.4 million
- Louisiana Department of Transportation: $3.7 million
- Plaquemines Parish Ferry Department: $3.2 million
- St. Mary Parish Council: $50,000
This funding allocation is designed to assist ferry operators through state transportation departments, allowing for investments that include vessel acquisition, facility upgrades, operational support, and the development of new ferry routes.
Benefits of the Initiative
The funding initiative is expected to facilitate significant improvements in ferry services, likely leading to increased ridership and alleviating congestion on local roads. As ferry services become more efficient, they can notably enhance regional transportation networks, providing a seamless connection for the transport of people and goods.
Secretary Duffy has highlighted the critical nature of this initiative, emphasizing that improved ferry service leads to better transportation outcomes for both individuals and businesses. This development is particularly important for communities where water travel is the most viable option for crossing waterways.
Context and Importance
Over the years, ferry services have played a crucial role in addressing transportation needs, particularly in areas where road infrastructure is limited or where environmental considerations make building new bridges or tunnels impractical. The federal funding allocated through the Ferry Boat Program helps bridge these gaps in transportation.
By investing in ferry improvements, the U.S. government aims to not only enhance local economies but also to bolster the overall transportation framework across multiple states.
As this funding rolls out, ferry services in Louisiana are expected to become more reliable and capable of handling the demands of both leisure and commercial travel, setting the stage for a more connected transportation future.
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Additional Resources
- New Orleans City Business: Empowering Women Awards Nominations
- Wikipedia: Ferry
- Biz New Orleans: Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. Names 2025 Woman of the Year
- Google Search: Ferry services in Louisiana
- Idaho Business Review: 2025 Empowering Women Honorees in Idaho
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
