The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced $175 million in funding to improve ferry services across 35 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

The funds will come from the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Ferry Boat Program, and be used to build and operate ferry vessels, terminals and maintenance facilities. That includes $1.6 million for San Francisco's Alcatraz Cruises terminal, $37 million for the Alaska Marine Highway System, and $433,000 for the Spiritline Cruises ferry terminal serving Rhode Island's Fort Sumter Tours. Other states receiving money include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida and Hawaii.

“We make life easier when we make the transportation of people and products smoother,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an August 12 release. "From our skies to our roads, rail networks, and waterways, America is building again."

The FHWA's Ferry Boat Program is designed to fill funding gaps for ferry projects that provide critical access to underserved areas with high passenger demand. Those projects cover the acquisition of ferry vessels, capital improvements to facilities and operational costs for ferry operators.