Brady PieperThe U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is expanding efforts to modernize and upgrade port infrastructure around the nation.
The DOT’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for states, municipalities and tribes that reinforces the nation’s freight transportation network. Featuring $450 million in available funds, the NOFO will accept applications until April 30.
MARAD expects to award about 40 grants in this round of federal funding. Eligible applicants, including states, local and county governments and tribes, may apply for PIDP grants up to $112.5 million to support port improvement projects.
PIDP grants will be distributed to projects that support the loading and unloading of goods, the movement of goods, operational improvements, emissions mitigation efforts and infrastructure that supports the seafood industry. The NOFO will also deliver awards for port electrification, craft and equipment replacements, electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, among others.
MARAD notes that additional funding may be available for port projects outside of the designated $450 million; however, this is pending any subsequent allocations from the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Act.
The PIDP is designed to improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of the movement of goods at ports. Backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the $2.25 billion program will enter into the final year of awards in 2026.
Previously, in November, MARAD announced nearly $580 million in federal PIDP grants to improve supply chain resilience, develop port workforce opportunities and enhance freight safety, operations and emissions output.
Some of these awards from the previous grant round include:
- Garden City, Georgia – $49.88 million to the Garden City Terminal Power Resiliency Project. The project will create a self-contained on-terminal power distribution network to reduce reliance on local utilities.
- Oakland, California – $49.51 million to the Outer Harbor Terminal Infrastructure Modernization Project. The project will strengthen wharfs and conduct structural repairs for various aspects of the Outer Harbor Terminal.
- Hennepin, Illinois – $38.58 million to the Hennepin Barge Terminal and Soybean logistics Asset Project. The project will build a new loading dock, conveyor systems and storage systems for soybean meal, soybean oil and soybean hulls.
Image by Pawel Grzegorz from Pixabay
