MARAD announces funding availability for port infrastructure development

US$230M in discretionary grant funding for port and intermodal infrastructure-related projects is being made available through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “Our nation’s ports are a key part of our critical infrastructure. They create jobs and make our economy more resilient and sustainable.

“This funding will build upon local investments in infrastructure to deliver long-term economic benefits to American workers and communities, while also addressing climate and equity.”

Secretary Buttigieg announced the funding at a White House event focused on the development of offshore wind energy programmes. Over the past two years, 12% PIDP grant applicants included the anticipated development of wind energy facilities and the movement of wind energy components as part of their proposals. This year’s grant funding will bolster these efforts.

PIDP grants are awarded on a competitive basis to support projects that strengthen and modernise port infrastructure and support long-term economic vitality. In keeping with the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department’s review process will also consider how proposed projects address climate change and environmental justice impacts and advance racial equity, reduce barriers to opportunity, and meet challenges faced by rural areas.

Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley said, “State and local authorities are working to position ports to take advantage of a clean-energy economy. These infrastructure grants will continue to bolster their efforts while creating jobs in these communities and the US maritime industry as a whole.”

Previous grants have supported projects such as infrastructure resiliency and shore-side improvements to facilitate wind-energy projects.

The department will host a series of webinars during the PIDP grant application process. Details and registration information regarding these webinars will be made available at www.transportation.gov/portgrants.

The deadline to submit an application for the PIDP is 30 July 2021. For more information, see www.maritime.dot.gov/PIDPgrants or email PIDPgrants@dot.gov.