Federal Highway Administration News

The collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge has highlighted what engineers say is an urgent need to better protect the piers holding up spans over shipping channels as the size of cargo ships has grown in recent decades.Federal authorities continue an investigation into why a massive cargo ship lost power and crashed into a pier of the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday, bringing down the structure and killing six workers who had been filling potholes atop it.The Maryland Transportation Authority did not respond to questions about what…

Like many ports, the Alaskan Port of Homer faces aging infrastructure and capital needs well beyond the local funding capacity. The port is a key link in the supply chain for 47 remote, rural, disadvantaged or Alaska Native communities served by Homer, making proposed port infrastructure upgrades critical for shipping statewide as well as for the local community.Enter the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This unprecedented…

Much has been said both in Congress and by the current administration of the need to restore and enhance our nation’s transportation infrastructure, including its maritime transportation infrastructure. Recent legislation, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), the Inflation Reduction Act, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2023, and the related appropriations acts, has shown that Congress is ready to provide substantial funding in support of these stated goals.

A new bill recently introduced by Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) aims to increase federal funding for public ferry services in the United States.The “Ferry Service Expansion Act” would boost funding for both the Federal Highway Administration’s formula and the Federal Transit Administration’s competitive grant programs to the levels requested by the Public Ferry Coalition, building upon New Federal Investment in Ferry Service under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.Specifically…

The Biden-Harris Administration on Friday announced new funding aimed at improving ferry service across the U.S. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced $172.2 million in Fiscal Year 2022 formula funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law improve ferry service and provide more travel options in 35 states and three territories.“Many Americans rely on ferry service as a primary means of travel, making it a critical connection to jobs, healthcare and other daily needs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Shipbuilder and Heavy Steel Fabricator Metal Trades, Inc., located on Yonges Island, SC has announced the launch of its largest ever built new construction barge. This barge is 370’ x 59’ x 14’. It is designed to hold a total of 18- 60 foot rail cars capable of carrying cargo for up to 2298 Long Tons for New York New Jersey Rail, LLC (NYNJR), a short line railroad and wholly-owned entity of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Metal Trades, Inc. is contracted to build a total of two of these barges and the first of these barges is to be delivered next week.

Alaska can use an existing British Columbia ferry terminal for several more years if Canada enforces an order blocking so-called "Buy America" purchasing rules from being applied to its reconstruction, a state official said on Tuesday. A $15 million plan to overhaul the Prince Rupert ferry terminal, which is located in Canada, has escalated into a trade dispute with the United States. Alaska has refused to seek a waiver to the controversial law, designed to protect U.S. companies from foreign competition in transportation infrastructure projects. That prompted Canada on Monday to fight back by invoking rarely used anti-sanction laws that would prevent bidders on the project from agreeing to use only U.S.-made iron and steel, potentially delaying construction.

Last July, President Obama announced the Build America Investment Initiative, an Administration-wide effort aimed at boosting private investment in our nation’s infrastructure. And Friday, Vice President Biden announced new steps that federal agencies are taking to bring private sector capital and expertise to bear on improving our nation’s roads, bridges and broadband networks. These actions and announcements are the first steps that the Administration is taking as part of the Build America Investment Initiative’s two-year action plan. These steps highlight important progress within DOT.

The Canadian government signed an order on Monday blocking the United States from applying controversial "Buy America" purchasing rules on the demolition and reconstruction of a ferry terminal that is located on Canada's Pacific Coast but operated by Alaska's Department of Transportation. The U.S. federal rules are designed to protect U.S. companies from foreign competition in transportation infrastructure projects. The state of Alaska has refused to waive the provisions for the $15 million rebuild of the Prince Rupert, British Columbia, ferry terminal although the project is solidly in Canadian territory. Canada is fighting back by invoking rarely used anti-sanction laws to prevent bidders on the project from agreeing to use only U.S.-made iron and steel.

In recent years, ferries have been in the spotlight, in part because of growing mass transit needs and increased road congestion, but also because of concerns about the deadly South Korean ferry sinking last April. We asked Captain Terri Bernstein, the Passenger Vessel Association’s 2014 President, about the industry’s status in the United States. Based in Alexandria, VA, the PVA has over 500 member companies. Ferries are safer, especially since 9/11, but regulatory requirements have swelled and can be onerous, Bernstein said. She’s the owner of BB Riverboats, Inc.

Infrastructure renewal and engineering combine to provide an obscure, often under-appreciated, but nevertheless critically important aspect of marine operations. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, the waterway abundant geography provides engineering and specialized moving company Omega Morgan with all sorts of challenges that involve bridges spanning rivers. Whether crossing or moving these spans, West Coast-based Omega Morgan, faces particularly unique engineering challenges.

The Friday Harbor ferry terminal will get a safety upgrade thanks to a $240,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) will use the funding to build a barrier and gate to keep walk-on customers separated from vehicle traffic during ferry loading and off-loading. The project will also include signs to direct foot passengers to the terminal exit, town landmarks, and pick-up/drop-off areas. “Safety is our top priority…

The Passenger Vessel Association announced that on October 13, the most recent recipients of awards from the federal government’s Federal Ferry Boat Discretionary Grant Program were released. Over $60m was obligated for capital projects involving ferry vessels, docks, and facilities in 20 states. At least a dozen PVA members will receive or benefit from specific grants. Administered by the Federal Highway Administration, the Ferry Boat Discretionary Grant Program provides competitive capital grants to public entities and public-private partnerships. The solicitation for proposals for the next funding round will likely occur in the first quarter of 2011. PVA said it will publicize that solicitation.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced more than $42m in grants to improve ferry service and build new docks and facilities in 15 states and Puerto Rico. Congress authorized the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program was created to fund ferry boat projects that provide critical access to areas that lack other means of transportation where high passenger demand already exists. Program funds can be used for capital improvements to existing ferry operations which could increase the number of riders, relieve congestion or address environmental or significant operational concerns. The projects include funding…

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $60m in grants to 19 states and one U.S. territory to improve ferry service and save and create jobs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “The Recovery Act was put in place quickly to rescue the economy from the worst recession since the Great Depression and rebuild it for a stronger future,” said Secretary LaHood. “Rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure is a key part of that prescription for strength. "The projects…

The Passenger Vessel Association reminded its members that applications for Federal Ferry Boat Discretionary Grants are being accepted through Friday, June 12. This competitive solicitation is different than an earlier one involving funds contained in the Economic Stimulus Act. This second pot of funding was contained in the Omnibus Appropriations Act for fiscal 2009. That law provides $67m for these grants, but a significant portion of the money is set aside or earmarked for specific recipients. Nevertheless, slightly more than $19m will be awarded on a competitive basis. Federal Ferry Boat Discretionary Grants can be used for capital costs only (not for operating expenses).

Several key actions were taken by the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) Legislative Policy Council (LPC) at its 92nd annual convention being held this week in Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. The LPC is comprised of port directors representing each region of AAPA’s U.S. Delegation. Port security continues to be one of the highest priorities for AAPA. Actions taken in this area relate to Federal funding and limited liability. Highlights include the following. · A call for $400 million in Federal funding for the Transportation Security Administrations (TSA) port security grant program in the FY ’05 Federal budget. The FY’04 level is expected only to be $125 million, while the Coast Guard projects the cost to be $1.125 billion in the first year.

New advances in metal fusion technology produce a metalized coating with no porosity, which can be applied at rates similar to those achieved by airless painting practices. The substrate temperature does not affect the process, and there is no curing time. The competitive process results in extremely long term near permanent corrosion protection, which is designed to be competitive in price with conventional corrosion systems. High speed metalizing of a variety of substrates can be accomplished rapidly under harsh field conditions. As there is no cure time required for the process, which can be used to apply up to 35 mils with only one coat, the application time is often much reduced from a conventional corrosion prevention system.

A procurement contract for the complete propulsion systems for four (4) new 130-auto ferries to be designed and built under a separate shipyard contract. The propulsion system for each vessel shall consist of: a propulsion control and monitoring system; data logger; propulsion diesel engines; reduction gears; hydraulic clutches; diesel engine output shafting and components; high speed shafting and components; propeller shafting and components; controllable pitch propeller system, an alarm and monitoring system and related items. The Contract shall be for four (4) identical propulsion systems (1 per vessel), per the project Technical Specifications. The Contract shall also include spare parts and special tools.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the establishment of a department-wide Credit Council to enhance oversight and management of the Department’s direct loan and loan guarantee programs that are administered by the Maritime Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Highway Administration and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Currently, the Department’s four credit programs are responsible for $7.5 billion in outstanding loans and guarantees (including pending commitments). "As we continue to build a transportation infrastructure and transportation assets that keep our economy moving…

NACE International, The Corrosion Society, is a professional technical society dedicated to the prevention and control of corrosion. The organization offers technical training and certification programs, sponsors conferences, and produces industry standards and reports, publications and software. Established in 1943, NACE has more than 15,000 members worldwide, provides education, and communicates information to protect people, assets, and the environment from the effects of corrosion. Over the last three years NACE has been working closely with the Federal Highway Administration and CC Technologies to complete the federal funded Corrosion Costs and Preventive Strategies in the United States.

Recent growth in ferry construction, particularly in the U.S., has been significant. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported that the U.S. marine transportation system annually transports 134 million passengers by ferry. Although the U.S. fleet represents a small percentage of the worldwide fleet, the U.S. fleet has recently experienced one of the largest and most rapid growth rates. This growth represents an increase both in sheer numbers as well as in the size of new vessels. The DOT recently reported that the U.S. currently has more fast-ferry shipbuilding under way than any other country, with an estimated 14 fast ferries under construction. With this increased demand and growth in newbuildings and transaction size, U.S.

The Passenger Vessel Association announced that it is time again to apply for Federal Ferry Boat Discretionary Grants The program helps with the capital costs of new ferry vessels and terminals. The Federal Highway Administration has announced that it is accepting funding proposals for the current round of grants. The deadline is July 15, 2001, but since the application must first be funneled through state transportation officials, an applicant needs to get to work right away. A private operator working in partnership with a public entity is eligible to apply, as is a publicly funded operator. For a copy of the full announcement with additional information on how to apply, go to PVA's web page (www.passengervessel.com ) and click on the "Ferry Grants 2001" icon.