This is a FFY 2024 section 5307(h) application in the amount of $863750.00

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $863,750 in project grant funding to the Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) on September 3, 2025, under the Passenger Ferry Grant Program, Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program (CFDA 20.532). The federal share of funds totaled $691,000. This award supports the installation of five shore power pedestals and high-capacity shore power connections at Savannah's ferry terminal infrastructure, enabling the Savannah Belles Ferry Fleet to recharge hybrid electric ferry batteries while docked. The project is a critical infrastructure component that builds upon CAT's prior acquisition of three hybrid electric ferries funded through previous FTA passenger ferry grants and congressionally directed spending awards totaling $3.08 million.

The shore power infrastructure will significantly reduce the ferry fleet's reliance on onboard diesel generators by enabling efficient battery recharging during dock periods, thereby lowering fuel consumption, decreasing operational costs, and reducing emissions across the fleet. This initiative directly supports CAT's master transit plan priorities of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency. The project is scheduled for completion by March 30, 2033, representing a substantial step toward modernizing the Savannah Belles Ferry Fleet and reducing its carbon footprint while ensuring long-term cost savings and improved service reliability.

Activities

The award funds will be utilized to support key activities aimed at enhancing the sustainability and operational efficiency of the savannah belles ferry fleet. This project will involve the procurement and installation of five shore power pedestals and high-capacity shore power connections allowing hybrid electric ferries to recharge their batteries while docked and reducing their reliance on diesel fuel. To facilitate this installation site preparation and construction activities will be undertaken including necessary site assessments permitting and infrastructure modifications to ensure seamless integration at designated ferry docking locations. Additionally the project will involve the procurement and integration of essential shore power equipment such as power pedestals and electrical components into the existing ferry infrastructure. Once installed the charging stations will undergo rigorous testing and commissioning to verify functionality safety and compatibility with the hybrid ferries with system optimization and troubleshooting performed as needed. Furthermore staff training will be provided to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the new charging infrastructure promoting long-term reliability and efficiency. These activities align with cats sustainability objectives and transit modernization efforts contributing to reduced emissions lower fuel costs and improved overall ferry operations.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes of this award will yield several key benefits which align with both environmental and operational goals. These include:1. Reduction in emissions: the installation of electric charging infrastructure for hybrid electric ferries will significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) nitrogen oxides (NOX) and carbon dioxide (CO2) by enabling ferries to operate using shore power instead of diesel generators. This shift leads to cleaner air and improves public health.2. Improved operational efficiency: by reducing the reliance on onboard diesel generators the project will enhance operational efficiency. Shore power allows for more reliable and efficient ferry operations reducing downtime and maintenance needs associated with diesel generators.3. Compliance with environmental regulations: the adoption of electric charging infrastructure helps CAT comply with updated environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions from the transportation sector. This aligns with both federal and state-level sustainability goals.4. Cost savings and energy efficiency: utilizing shore power rather than onboard diesel generators reduces fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Shore power is more energy-efficient leading to a reduction in overall energy consumption and contributing to long-term cost savings for CAT.5. Enhancement of sustainability goals: the project supports cats master transit plan and zero emission transition plan by fostering the adoption of clean energy solutions and contributing to overall sustainability efforts such as reducing the agencys carbon footprint and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.6. Improved community mobility: by enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the ferry system the project will improve public transportation options especially for underserved communities. This increase in ferry service reliability will enhance mobility providing better access to jobs education and essential services.7. Economic growth and job creation: the installation of charging stations and other infrastructure will stimulate local economic growth by creating jobs in construction maintenance and operation of new technologies. Additionally the project will attract investment in green infrastructure benefiting the local economy.8. Climate resilience and sustainability: the project contributes to mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This supports the citys broader efforts toward climate resilience and sustainability making savannah a more attractive environmentally conscious location to live and visit.9. Enhanced safety: the shift from diesel generators to shore power reduces safety risks associated with fuel handling and storage ensuring a safer working environment for ferry staff and improved safety for the community. These outcomes align with the overarching goals of improving operational efficiency reducing environmental impact enhancing community mobility and contributing to the long-term sustainability of savannahs public transit system.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries of this project include:1. Commuters: residents and visitors who rely on the savannah belles ferry system for daily transportation will benefit from improved service reliability reduced emissions and cleaner air. The enhanced ferry system will provide a more efficient and sustainable mode of transportation particularly for those traveling to essential services employment and educational institutions.2. Employees: ferry staff including operators and maintenance personnel will benefit from improved working conditions and safety due to the reduction in diesel fuel handling and associated risks. Additionally staff will receive training on new systems enhancing their skills and supporting career development opportunities.3. Underserved communities: communities such as those in west savannah (e.g. cloverdale and carver village) and the broader chatham county area including the 20 JUSTICE40 communities will particularly benefit from enhanced ferry service. The cleaner more reliable ferry service will improve mobility for residents in these areas facilitating better access to jobs healthcare and other essential services.4. Local economy: the construction and maintenance of the electric charging infrastructure will create job opportunities in the local community supporting local economic growth. The project will stimulate investment in green infrastructure attracting businesses and tourists to the area further benefiting the economy.5. Environmental stakeholders: the local community and residents of savannah will see a direct benefit from reduced air pollution and improved environmental quality resulting in better public health outcomes and a more attractive environment for both residents and visitors.6. Government and regulatory bodies: the project will help CAT comply with federal and state regulations regarding emissions reductions and sustainability goals benefiting regulatory bodies that are focused on environmental protection and public health.by enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the ferry system this project provides broad-ranging benefits to commuters employees local communities and the environment.

Subrecipient activities

This project does not involve any subrecipients. All activities including the installation of electric charging infrastructure site preparation equipment procurement and operational training will be managed directly by CAT .