To provide funds for two new diesel hybrid ferries and landing improvements to establish ferry service between eastport and the downtown areas of annapolis across SPA creek

The Maryland Transit Administration received a $3.5 million Project Grant award dated September 23, 2025, from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Passenger Ferry Grant Program, Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program, and Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program (CFDA 20.532). Under the leadership of the City of Annapolis, this award funds the purchase of two diesel hybrid ferry vessels and the design, engineering, and construction of ferry landing improvements to establish new passenger ferry service between Eastport and downtown Annapolis across Spa Creek.

The project is scheduled for completion by October 21, 2027, and will deliver modern, low-emission transportation infrastructure to serve residents and visitors to Annapolis and Eastport. The ferry service enhancement aligns with the FTA program's objectives of supporting capital projects for passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas, including vessel acquisition and terminal infrastructure improvements. Upon completion, the new service will provide an additional multimodal transportation option connecting the Eastport and downtown Annapolis communities across Spa Creek.

Activities

Purchase of two diesel hybrid ferries; design engineering and construction of ferry landing improvements.

Expected outcomes

These improvements will allow for new ferry service between eastport and downtown annapolis across SPA creek.

Intended beneficiaries

Residents and visitors to the city of annapolis and eastport.

Subrecipient activities

This project will be lead by the city of annapolis.