Attachment X: NCFO Cover Letter

	1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590

April 2018

Dear Ferry Operator,

I am writing to ask for your support and participation in the 2018 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. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, Public Law 114-94 (Dec. 4, 2015), requires the FHWA to use the NCFO data to set the specific formula for allocating federal ferry funds.

The Passenger Vessel Association and many state transportation agencies support the NCFO and have advised in its development. On average, the questionnaire should take thirty minutes to complete. Many of the census questions have been prefilled with information that your ferry operation has reported in the past. Please add or correct the information necessary to properly reflect the state of your ferry operation during the calendar year 2017.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept preprinted ferry schedules in lieu of completing the census form. It is very important that you provide complete and accurate information about each aspect of your operation as it is requested on the census questionnaire. Failure to do so may impact FHWA’s ability to accurately allocate funds as described above.

If you have any questions or comments about this study, or would like assistance in completing the questionnaire, please 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,

Patricia Hu, Director

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Enclosures:

2018 National Census of Ferry Operators questionnaire

Postage paid return envelope

Operator ID: 000