When federal stimulus funding became available, Marion County applied for and been awarded $3,424,608 from the Ferry Boat Discretionary Fund Program of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The Buena Vista Ferry creates a sense of community for people and businesses on both sides of the river. Local clubs use the ferry for bicycling events and a non-profit group has developed a water trail (canoe/kayak trail route) along the Willamette River from the Buena Vista Ferry up to the Wheatland Ferry. This trail directs visitors to public lands along the river for landing points, historical viewpoints and the National Historic Trail.