SEPTEMBER 2017 • FOGHORN 35 NEWSWIRE FTA Solicits Proposals for Competitive Capital Grants for Ferries in Urbanized Areas On August 23, 2017, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it is soliciting proposals for capital grants under the competitive FTA Passenger Ferry Grant program for projects that support passenger ferry systems in urbanized areas. FTA has $30 million from which to make awards. Funds are awarded based on factors such as the age and condition of existing ferry boats, terminals and related infrastructure; benefits to riders, such as increased reliability; project readiness; and connectivity to other modes of transportation Eligible applicants must be public entities. Proposals must be submitted no later than October 23. Grants are for capital purposes only to support existing ferry service, establish new ferry service, and repair and modernize ferry boats, terminals, and related facili- ties and equipment.  Funds may not be used for operating expenses, planning, or preventive mainte- nance.    As a general rule, the federal share is not to exceed 80 percent of the net project cost for capital ex- penditures. To see the FTA Notice of Funding Opportunity as published in the Federal Register, contact Ed Welch at PVA Headquarters at 800- 807-8360 ext. 27 or ewelch@passen- gervessel.com. For more information, contact Vanessa Williams, FTA Office of Program Management, (202) 366-4818, or Vanessa.williams@dot. gov. n Note: The FTA ferry grant program is different than the Federal Highway Administration’s program of formula grants for eligible ferry operators. Fine Imposed for Harassing Spinner Dolphins in Hawaii Afederal administrative law judge recently fined a vessel operator (not a PVA member) $2,500 for illegally harassing spinner dolphins in Hawaii. State enforcement officers found that the operator drove his boat in circles around a pod of spinner dolphins off the coast of the Big Island. He also engaged in “leapfrogging,” in which he purposefully and repeatedly intercepted a pod of dolphins and dropped passengers off to swim in their path. Federal and Hawaiian fisheries officials have discouraged these types of activities for years, alerting people to the risk of wildlife disturbance and law violation. The administrative law judge’s decision explicitly finds encircling and leapfrogging activities around spinner dolphins to be acts of harassment and therefore illegal under federal law. The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the “take” of marine mammals. “Take” is any attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill a marine mammal. Harassment includes any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance that could injure the animal or disrupt its behavioral patterns. Hawaiian spinner dolphins congregate in certain bays and nearshore waters to rest during the day and prepare for a night of feeding offshore. In 2016, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a proposed rule that would prohibit swimming with and approaching a Hawaiian spinner dolphin within 50 yards. Hundreds of comments, pro and con, were submitted to NOAA. It is unclear when a final rule may go into effect. Some Hawaiian passenger vessel operators (including at least four PVA members) voluntarily adhere to viewing guidelines -- including staying at least 50 yards away from dolphins -- set forth by NOAA’s Dolphin SMART Program. A business enrolled in the program displays the current year Dolphin SMART flag and sticker on its vessels, and its website lists it as a Dolphin SMART Recognized Operator. n WheelHouse is proud to support Boston Harbor Cruises tracking the maintenance, safety requirements, and documentation for their fleet. www.wheelhousetech.com 978-562-5211 MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM > Cloud Based - Access from any Device with any browser > Maintenance - Spares - Documentation > Intuitive User Interface > SMS Integration > Turnkey Setup