NCFO COver LEtter

U.S. Department of Transportation		1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590
Research and Innovative Technology Administration

Dear ,

I am writing to ask for your help with the 2010 National Census of Ferry Operators (NCFO). The study collects information needed to help the government and industry understand how ferry operations fit into the national transportation system. The information you provide helps the government support the Ferry industry’s growth and security as a key component of the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

The Passenger Vessel Association, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, MarineLog, and state transportation agencies all support the National Census of Ferry Operators and have advised in its development.

The questionnaire can easily be completed online by logging on to the following website: WWW.USDOTNCFO.GOV . To ensure your privacy, a unique user ID and password have been established so that no one else can access your survey data. Please use the following user ID and password to begin reviewing and updating the census information for your operation.

User ID:

Password:

Many of the census questions have already been completed based on information you have previously provided. Please add or correct the information necessary to properly reflect the current state of your ferry operation. If you do not have access to the internet, a paper version of the questionnaire has been included as well as a return envelope. The postage is prepaid.

If you have any questions or comments about this study, please call us toll-free at

(800) 853-1351 or email the NCFO project director at [email protected] .

I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to provide an accurate picture of the current status of the Nation’s ferry industry. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Peter Appel,

Administrator