The ST. Johns river ferry regional connectivity project (the project) is a package of improvements to the ST

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority received a $19.5 million Project Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to enhance regional connectivity and sustainable transportation options in the Jacksonville, Florida urbanized area. The award, obligated on August 18, 2025, with a completion date of March 30, 2035, will fund the design and procurement of a new low-emission vessel for the St. Johns River Ferry service, along with upgrades to the existing fueling system infrastructure. These capital improvements aim to provide reliable, safe, and efficient ferry connectivity between historic coastal communities while reducing operational emissions.

The project addresses both mobility and environmental sustainability objectives by modernizing the ferry fleet and supporting infrastructure in a region with persistent poverty and historical disadvantages. By delivering enhanced public transportation connectivity outside the downtown core and mitigating environmental impacts through low-emission vessel technology, the initiative supports community resilience and equitable access to multi-modal transportation services for Jacksonville urbanized area residents and regional partners. No subrecipient activities are associated with this award.

Activities

This project will include the design and purchase of a new low-emission vessel and upgrades to the current fueling system.

Expected outcomes

This initiative not only aims to improve mobility and connectivity but also seeks to mitigate environmental impacts and support the resilience and development of a community faced withpersistent poverty and historical disadvantages.

Intended beneficiaries

Our customers and community partners within the jacksonville urbanized area and our regional partnerships.