MARAD Allocates $580 Million for US Port Upgrades

The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced plans to invest almost $580 million in port infrastructure projects across the country.

This funding will support 31 projects in 15 states and one US territory, aimed at enhancing capacity and efficiency at coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports, and inland river ports.

The largest grant, $53.5 million, will go to the port of San Juan in Puerto Rico for the reconstruction of wharves. Meanwhile, Port Everglades in Florida is set to receive $53.3 million for a project focused on reducing port emissions.

Additionally, the Don Young Port of Alaska will be awarded $50 million for the construction of a new general-purpose cargo terminal. The Port of Oakland in California has been granted $49.5 million to modernize its Outer Harbor Terminal.

This investment is part of MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which received $2.25 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In November 2023, the program allocated over $653 million for 41 port improvement initiatives nationwide.

The projects funded by this program aim to enhance supply chain reliability, support workforce development, boost freight efficiency, lower costs, cut emissions, and improve the safety and resilience of US ports, according to MARAD.

“America’s ports are essential to our nation’s supply chains, and thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we have projects underway all across the country—from Long Beach to Milwaukee to Monroe—that are making it possible for our ports to move more goods each year and keep costs down for families,” said US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.