Increased funding for US ports

The grant from the United States Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) to the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) is the greatest so far in the programme’s history.

The substantial increase in funds has been made possible by the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will see the PIDP through until financial year 2026, supporting 41 critical infrastructure projects in 23 states and one territory.

The American Association of Port Authorities has welcomed this announcement and urges a speedy and efficient administration of these awards

Projects supported by these grants include a shoreline reconstruction project at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, and the Putnam County Port Development Plan Project in Palatka, Florida.

Sustainability is a key focus with projects to replace diesel yard tractors with electric yard tractors at Port of Long Beach’s Middle Harbor as well as initiatives to install electric infrastructure and cargo-handling equipment together with shore-based power at Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port.

Dock strengthening work to support heavier loads and the building of new container yards is also on the cards at Beaumont in Texas whilst the Port of Stockton and the Port of Camden are focusing on upgrading rail and truck routes respectively.