Attachment IX 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 2013 National Census of Ferry Operators (NCFO). The census collects information needed to help the government support the Ferry industry’s growth and security as a key component of the nation’s transportation infrastructure. More specifically, the data you provide here will be used by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to allocate monies from the ferry boat discretionary fund based on the formulas laid out in MAP-21 (P.L. 112-141).

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 paper questionnaire should be able to be completed in thirty minutes. Many of the census questions have been prefilled with information you have provided in the past. Please add or correct the information necessary to properly reflect the state of your ferry operation during the calendar year 2012. A postage paid return envelope has been included for your convenience. If necessary, you may photo copy blank sheets from this questionnaire where there is not enough room to include all of the information about your operation.

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to accept preprinted ferry schedules in lieu of completing the census form. It is very important that you provide accurate information about each aspect of your operation as it is requested on the census questionnaire. Failure to do so will result in incomplete data being sent to FHWA, and may impact their ability to accurately allocate funds as described above.

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,

Gregory Winfrey,

Administrator