The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded $4.85 million in grants to improve goods movement along the nation’s waterways. This funding, part of the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP), will finance projects in Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Washington, and West Virginia.

“These investments in the United States Marine Highway Program move goods more quickly and efficiently, modernize our ports and waterways, and help lower the cost of essential goods for families,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The USMHP focuses on expanding the use of navigable waterways to reduce landside congestion, improve transportation efficiency, and support supply chain resilience. Projects must comply with the “Build America, Buy America” provisions, ensuring U.S.-made materials and equipment use.

Selected Projects:

  • Alexandria, Louisiana: $2.5M for a 275-ton marine crane and forklift to handle diverse cargo, including steel and military equipment, while reducing emissions by shifting cargo transport to barges.
  • Vieques, Puerto Rico: $711K for a vehicle ramp at the Mosquito Terminal to enhance cargo loading and support regional Marine Highway services.
  • Everett, Washington: $881K for cargo handling equipment to expand terminal capacity and reduce truck trips with waterborne alternatives.
  • Vancouver, Washington: $454K for a low-emission container handler to divert municipal waste to waterways and cut emissions.
  • Follansbee, West Virginia: $278K for a Master Plan for the Port of West Virginia, focusing on infrastructure projects and transitioning to zero-emission equipment.

These grants are part of the broader $17 billion investment under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has funded nearly 600 port and waterway projects to strengthen supply chains and lower carbon emissions.