Washington state ferries operations and preventative maintenance

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) received a $1,146,569 Project Grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205), awarded on July 22, 2025, with a completion date of August 31, 2029. This award supports Washington State Ferries (WSF) operations and preventative maintenance activities, including fuel, utilities, operations labor and staffing, preventative vessel and facility maintenance, and periodic inspections, certifications, and permits required by the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as disposable supplies necessary for ferry system operations.

The funding enables WSDOT to sustain critical ferry transportation infrastructure and services across Washington State by covering essential operational expenses and maintenance activities that preserve the condition and regulatory compliance of ferry vessels and terminal facilities. As the state's primary transportation agency, WSDOT administered this federal grant to ensure continuous, safe ferry operations as part of the state's multimodal transportation network.

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.