This is very exciting news and a big step toward procuring a new ferry boat for Fishers Island!
The news was posted on the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Ferry Grant website and in various publications, including a Workboat.com article on August 24, 2026, announcing the DOT’s award of “$665 million for ferry projects in 14 states” for 2026. The Fishers Island Ferry District is the only New York State entity to receive funds, and the amount is a very generous grant:
$20.8 million to the Fishers Island Ferry District for a replacement ferry.
Fishers Island Ferry District Manager Geb Cook received confirmation of the grant from Ryan Vance, Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Nick LaLota, our congressman in NY-01.
Ryan wrote, “To answer your question, yes, the Fishers Island Ferry District has indeed been awarded a sizeable grant. In fact, it is for $20.8 million. As you can see below, this is meant to support ferry vessel replacement. We were contacted by the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) which let us know that this grant was coming.”
| Program | Applicant | Project Title | Award Amount | State | Congressional District(s) |
| Passenger Ferry | Fishers Island Ferry District | Ferry Vessel Replacement | $20,800,000 | New York | NY 1 |
The Fishers Island Ferry District applied for the federal grant money in April 2026 after completing an extensive proposal that included technical drawings and specs from the naval architect, Glosten of Seattle, WA, and Providence, RI.
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