Washington state ferries operations and preventative maintenance

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) a Project Grant of $13.86 million on July 22, 2025, under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205), with a completion date of August 31, 2029. The award funds operating and preventative maintenance costs for Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessels and terminal facilities throughout Washington. Eligible project activities include fuel and utilities, operations labor and staffing, preventative vessel and facility maintenance, periodic inspections, certifications and permits required by the U.S. Coast Guard, and disposable supplies.

This grant supports the ongoing operational sustainability and asset preservation of Washington's ferry transportation infrastructure, enabling WSF to maintain service reliability and regulatory compliance across its fleet and facility network during the four-year performance period.

Project description

WSF operating and preventative maintenance costs on its ferry vessels and ferry terminal facilities. This could include fuel, utilities, operations labor/staffing, preventative maintenance of vessels or facilities, periodic inspections, certifications or permits, such as required by the U.S. Coast guard, or disposable supplies.