The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced a nearly $580 million investment to enhance port infrastructure across the United States. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this initiative will support 31 improvement projects spanning 15 states and one U.S. territory, aimed at boosting efficiency and capacity in the nation’s maritime transport system.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “America’s ports are essential to our supply chains. These projects, from Long Beach to Monroe, will expand capacity, improve efficiency, and help keep costs down for families.”
The funding is allocated through MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), a $2.25 billion initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. PIDP provides comprehensive support for planning, capital investment, and project management to modernize both urban and rural ports.
Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips emphasized the impact of these upgrades, noting that U.S. waterways handle 2.3 billion short tons of goods annually. She described the benefits of port improvements as far-reaching, driving economic growth beyond the maritime sector.
Highlighted projects include:
Don Young Port of Alaska: $50 million for a general-purpose cargo terminal to support remote communities.
Port of Oakland, California: $49.5 million to modernize the Outer Harbor Terminal for larger vessels and increased West Coast market demand.
This announcement builds on PIDP’s recent successes, including $653 million allocated in November 2023 for 41 projects nationwide. Since December 2021, the program has delivered nearly $2.2 billion for port enhancements, reflecting a sustained commitment to bolstering U.S. maritime infrastructure.
The administration links these investments to broader efforts to strengthen supply chains and reduce inflation. By improving logistics systems, supply chain enhancements accounted for over 80% of the inflation decline in 2023. Initiatives like FLOW (Freight Logistics Optimization Works) have already proven effective, mitigating disruptions during incidents such as the Port of Baltimore closure.
With nearly $17 billion dedicated to ports and waterways through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this marks the largest federal investment in maritime infrastructure in U.S. history, reinforcing the critical role of ports in the nation’s economy and supply chain resilience.
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